Healthcare Proxy &
Power of Attorney

A health care proxy and power of attorney are two of the most important documents in a well-prepared estate plan. They allow you to appoint trusted individuals to step in and act on your behalf if you become unable to make medical or financial decisions for yourself. With thoughtful planning, these documents help preserve your wishes, reduce confusion, and make it easier for your loved ones to act when it matters most.

Why These Documents Matter

Without the proper documents in place, your family may face delays, uncertainty, and unnecessary complications during an already difficult time. A health care proxy allows someone you trust to make medical decisions if you cannot communicate your wishes. A power of attorney allows a designated agent to handle important financial and legal matters on your behalf. Together, these documents form a critical part of a complete estate plan.

Health Care Proxy

A health care proxy gives another person the legal authority to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make them yourself. This can include decisions about treatment, care providers, and other health-related matters, depending on the circumstances.

A health care proxy can help you:

Appoint a trusted decision-maker
Provide clarity during medical emergencies
Reduce family conflict or uncertainty
Support your treatment preferences when you cannot speak for yourself

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney allows you to name an agent to handle financial and legal matters on your behalf. Depending on how it is drafted, it can be used for matters such as banking, real estate transactions, bill payment, business matters, and other day-to-day or urgent financial issues.

A power of attorney can help you:

Keep bills and finances managed without interruption
Allow someone to handle time-sensitive legal or business matters
Avoid unnecessary court involvement in many situations
Create a clear plan for who may act for you and under what authority

Part of a Stronger Estate Plan

These documents are often among the most important pieces of a foundational estate plan. While wills and trusts address how assets are managed or distributed, a health care proxy and power of attorney focus on protecting you during your lifetime if you become incapacitated. Putting these documents in place can provide clarity, continuity, and peace of mind for both you and your family.

Thoughtful Planning Matters

These are not one-size-fits-all documents. Choosing the right agents, defining authority appropriately, and ensuring the documents are properly executed are all important. Careful planning can help ensure your documents reflect your wishes and work the way they are intended when needed.

How We Help

At Long & Paulo-Lee, we help clients put the right documents in place as part of a thoughtful, personalized estate plan. Whether you are creating your first estate plan or updating existing documents, we work with you to make sure your plan reflects your wishes, your priorities, and the people you trust most.

If you are ready to put a Healthcare Proxy and Power of Attorney in place, our firm can help you take that next step with clarity and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a health care proxy and a power of attorney?

A health care proxy generally addresses medical decision-making, while a power of attorney addresses financial and legal matters. Each serves a different purpose, and both can play an important role in a complete estate plan.

Do I need both a health care proxy and a power of attorney?

Many people choose to have both documents as part of their estate plan because they cover different areas of decision-making and planning.

Who should I choose as my agent?

The right person will depend on your circumstances. Many people choose someone they trust to act responsibly, communicate clearly, and carry out their wishes when needed.