Financial Power of Attorney, Medical Power Of Attorney, or Living Will

Issues

We all watched in mixed amazement and horror as the Florida courts and legislature and then even the U. S. Congress got involved with the Karen Sciavo case and the battle between her husband and her parents about whether or not to discontinue life maintaining medical treatment.

The way to avoid this tragedy is to not only make a will but also to put financial and medical instructions in writing as allowed by Texas law before becoming incompetent due to medical episode, accident or aging.

The Financial General Power of Attorney with Durable Powers gives a spouse, child or other person the right to make financial decisions even after (durable) one becomes incompetent.  This avoids the need for and expense of a guardianship of the person in most circumstances.

A Medical Power of Attorney allows a spouse, child, or other trusted person to make medical decisions when one is incompetent.  This usually avoids the need for and expense of a guardianship of the person.  A Living Will sets out your wishes to your physicians and other health care providers as to use of prolonged or artificial life maintenance measures.

There are powers of attorney forms for Texas (link) as well as medical powers and living wills available but an attorney should give advise and prepare these forms for your particular situation if you have questions.

How we can help

We can give advice and prepare forms for your particular situation and needs.

We can update forms to match current Texas law or to name different decision makers for you.