Florida Designation of Health Care Surrogate Attorney
Florida Designation of Health Care Surrogate Attorney
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. This designation is designed to work with your Living Will.
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. Sometimes it is a friend or close associate who has no legally recognized right, but knows you best or has special medical knowledge.
The Designation has the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the surrogate, an alternate surrogate, and your regular doctor. It is important that this tool is available in an emergency, so the surrogates and other people have originals or copies. Thus, I have my clients execute three originals. I carry one for myself with me at all times.
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
Please contact estate-planning lawyer Rebecca M. Becker if you would like more information about a Designation of Health Care Surrogate. We prepare Designations of Health Care Surrogate and other legal preventive maintenance documents for clients in Flagler and Volusia County in Florida, including Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Deland, Deltona, Pierson, Palm Coast and Flagler Beach.
We look forward to an opportunity to work with you.
