Make sure your medical wishes are known and respected
Name the person who will make medical decisions for you and record your wishes.
A health care proxy appoints an agent to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make them yourself. Paired with a living will that records your wishes about life-sustaining treatment, it spares your family from guessing during an already difficult time and gives your doctors clear direction.
What it covers
Health care proxy
Name a primary and an alternate agent to speak with doctors and make treatment decisions when you cannot.
Living will
Record your wishes about life support, resuscitation and comfort care so your agent and physicians know what you want.
HIPAA authorization
Allow the people you choose to access your medical information and speak with your providers.
Guidance for your agent
We help you talk through your values with your agent so they can carry out your wishes with confidence.
A health care proxy matters if you
- Want a specific person, not a default under the law, to make your medical decisions
- Have strong feelings about life-sustaining treatment
- Have an unmarried partner or chosen family
- Have children over eighteen who may need one too
Common questions
Who makes medical decisions if I don't have a health care proxy?
New York's Family Health Care Decisions Act sets a priority list of surrogates, starting with a court-appointed guardian, then spouse or domestic partner, adult children, parents and siblings. That person may not be who you would choose, and disagreements among family members can lead to delay or court involvement.
What is the difference between a health care proxy and a living will?
A health care proxy names who decides. A living will says what you want. Together they give your agent both the authority and the guidance to honor your wishes.
Can I change my agent later?
Yes. You can revoke or replace your health care proxy at any time by signing a new one and telling your providers and family.
Often prepared together
Let's have a conversation. On me.
A complimentary Estate Planning Discovery Session helps you understand your options and decide what kind of planning fits your circumstances. A full consultation ordinarily takes about two hours; a short questionnaire and some simple homework in advance make our time together focused and productive.
The session is offered at no charge provided the advance preparation is completed and you honor your scheduled appointment.
There is no obligation to move forward with any legal services.
Call 718-529-8200