What is a medical power of attorney?
A medical power of attorney names a person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. You can also authorize this person to discontinue (or not start) life support-like procedures, if you are terminally ill. If you don’t have a medical power of attorney and you become disabled; the probate court has to appoint a guardian to act for you. This can be time consuming, expensive, and possibly someone you do not want to make medical decisions for you.
An O.W.D estate planning and elder law attorney can help you create a medical power of attorney. Protect yourself now, before you aren’t able to protect yourself.
What happens if a family member dies & there is no will?
If a family member dies and leaves no will, the estate will be reviewed by probate. This means that the court will distribute the decedent’s property as they see fit and not necessarily as the decedent wished.
If this happens, you will need the assistance of an O.W.D estate planning attorney to help you through probate.