What is a Healthcare Power of Attorney (“Living Will”)?

Contact Bingaman Hess to create a Healthcare Power of Attorney (a Living Will) in Berks County and Throughout Pennsylvania.

When people think of Estate Planning, they may think of a will detailing where they want their assets and property to go when they die. However, depending on the individual's circumstances, an estate plan can include several additional documents such as a durable power of attorney or healthcare power of attorney. It is often recommended that an individual include a healthcare power of attorney in their estate plan.


What is a Healthcare Power of Attorney?

A healthcare power of attorney is a legal document that names agents and clearly states what an individual wants should they face an end-stage medical condition. A healthcare power of attorney can help ensure that your medical care preferences are followed.


Only 45% of Americans have a healthcare power of attorney, according to a  Gallup poll. Many people wait until they are older to draft one, but you can become incapacitated at any age. If you don't have a healthcare power of attorney and become incapacitated, decisions regarding your healthcare needs may fall to your closest family member, who will need to make some difficult decisions during a very emotional time. If you create a healthcare power of attorney while you are healthy, you can take your time and calmly think about what type of medical care you would prefer if you can no longer speak for yourself. A healthcare power of attorney helps ensure your wishes are followed, providing peace of mind. 


Tips for Drafting a healthcare power of attorney

When drafting a healthcare power of attorney, you should consider any possible health issues you might potentially experience, which is where an estate planning attorney can help. Some considerations include:


  • Talk with family members and close friends to help you make those tough decisions, and so they are aware of your preferences should there come a time when you can no longer make decisions for yourself.

  • Decide on an agent – someone who can make healthcare decisions on your behalf.

  • Hire an experienced estate planning attorney to draft your living will to ensure it is clearly written and does not leave anything open for interpretation.

  • Ensure the proper individuals (such as your primary care physician, your immediate family, etc.) have a copy of your healthcare power of attorney to help ensure that your wishes are followed.


Need an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney?


If you do not create your estate plan today, tomorrow may be too late. Considering preparation now while you can make those important decisions to protect your family and yourself. If you are looking for an estate planning lawyer who will efficiently and effectively provide estate planning and trust services, look no further than the estate planning attorneys at Bingaman Hess.


Contact us today at 610.374.8377 or find us online.

CONTACT US

News & Information

Municipal tort claim lawyers in Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Bucks, Montgomery, Philadelphia counties
By Mahlon Boyer April 23, 2025
Explore the intricacies of municipal tort claims, focusing on legal procedures for claims against government entities for civil wrongs. Discover practical insights into managing municipal risks.
We handle corporate intellectual property licensing and agreements in Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, PA
By Mahlon Boyer April 12, 2025
Discover the essentials of corporate intellectual property licensing and agreements, focusing on protecting and monetizing IP assets. Learn about negotiation strategies, drafting techniques, enforcement, and breach remedies.
We provide legal help in resolving contract disputes in Berks, Lehigh, Northampton & Bucks counties.
By Mahlon Boyer April 5, 2025
Discover effective strategies for resolving contract disputes, focusing on clear communication, mutual understanding, and strategic negotiation techniques to foster positive outcomes and maintain professional relationships.
Contact us for legal help with restrictive covenants in real estate in Berks and Philadelphia County
By Mahlon Boyer March 29, 2025
Learn practical strategies for managing real estate covenants, including understanding legal implications, ensuring compliance, and navigating modifications.
We handle corporate real estate transactions in Berks, Lehigh, Montgomery, Philadelphia County.
By Mahlon Boyer March 15, 2025
Explore the complexities of corporate real estate transactions, including acquisitions, leasing, and development. Learn about strategic planning, legal compliance, and risk mitigation.
Contact Us for Legal Advice on Legal Risks in Municipal Operations
By Mahlon Boyer February 22, 2025
Explore the landscape of legal risks in municipal operations. Learn strategies for identifying and mitigating risks to safeguard public funds and ensure effective governance.
We Offer Legal Advice on Types of Trusts and Their Benefits
By Mahlon Boyer February 14, 2025
Explore various types of trusts, including revocable, irrevocable, and testamentary, and discover their unique benefits. Learn how trusts can optimize estate planning, protect assets, and ensure tax efficiency.
We Provide Legal Advice on Corporate Governance in Family-Owned Businesses
By Mahlon Boyer February 8, 2025
Explore the intricacies of corporate governance in family-owned businesses, focusing on balancing family dynamics with strategic decision-making. Learn about succession planning, conflict resolution, and establishing formal governance structures.
Contact Our Attorneys About Legal Strategies to Tackle Common Issues in Insurance Litigation
By Mahlon Boyer February 1, 2025
Discover strategies to tackle common issues in insurance litigation. Learn about policy disputes, bad faith claims, and more, offering insights and practical solutions that Bingaman Hess offers to insurance carriers.
Contact our real estate attorneys for legal advice on easements and property use in Pennsylvania.
By Mahlon Boyer January 25, 2025
Explore the essentials of easements in property use, covering various types, creation methods, and termination processes. Stay informed on property rights and obligations for better real estate decision-making.
More Posts