Florida Designation of Health Care Surrogate

What would happen if you experienced a serious medical problem and could not speak for yourself? Would someone know your wishes concerning medical care, life support and other interventions?

A Designation of Health Care Surrogate is a legal document in which you name someone you trust to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to communicate your wishes and represents one form of Advance directives. The other form is a Living Will. Sometimes the healthcare surrogate is also called healthcare power of attorney.

Normally, a spouse or next of kin makes these decisions, but sometimes (particularly when there's a conflict over treatment) institutions refuse to follow even a spouse's directives unless he or she has a Designation of Health Care Surrogate. If there is no spouse, there may be delay while trying to locate all family members and determine who has authority. Also, family members often disagree on treatment. Who would you want to be the decision-maker? It is your right to designate that person - someone from the family, a close friend - whomever you value to be the best person making decisions for you if you can't.

You need a Designation of Health Care Surrogate because no one can guarantee that:
1. You will always be conscious and competent.
2. You and your spouse will never be in a joint accident.
3. Your children will absolutely agree on your medical treatment.
4. All your children are equally available and emotionally equipped to make medical decisions for you.
5. You have discussed the possibility of your incompetency and all your children know exactly what you would want, and will implement it.

A Designation of Health Care Surrogate eliminates the situation of having three or four children having to debate your medical care at a critical and emotional time. For More Information About Designation of Health Care Surrogate.

Under the umbrella of our estate planning area, we offer the services of writing a health care power of attorney. Call us at 954-476-711 or email us for a consultation!

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