Health Care Proxy & Living Wills
Making Your Medical Wishes Known in Advance
If you're ever seriously injured or ill and unable to speak for yourself, who will make medical decisions for you? A Health Care Proxy and Living Will ensure that your voice is heard-even when you can't speak. These documents allow you to choose someone you trust and make your preferences for treatment and end-of-life care clear in advance.
At The Law Offices of Michael M. Kaplan, we help clients throughout Massachusetts prepare these vital medical directives as part of a thoughtful, comprehensive estate plan. They give your family peace of mind-and you control over how you're treated in critical situations.
Clear Instructions for Life's Most Personal Decisions
A Health Care Proxy lets you appoint a trusted person (often a spouse, adult child, or close friend) to act as your health care agent. They can make decisions if you're unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate. A Living Will (also known as an advance directive) outlines your wishes for medical interventions like resuscitation, ventilation, or artificial nutrition if you're facing a terminal condition.
Together, these documents reduce confusion and stress for your loved ones-and help ensure your wishes are respected.
Common Questions About Health Care Proxies & Living Wills
Who Should I Choose as My Health Care Proxy?
You should choose someone you trust to respect your values and follow your instructions. That person should be calm under pressure and comfortable making decisions with doctors if needed.
Can My Proxy Make Financial Decisions Too?
No. A Health Care Proxy only applies to medical decisions. For finances, you'll need a separate Durable Power of Attorney. We can help you create both documents as part of your estate plan.
What Should I Include in a Living Will?
You can state whether you want life-prolonging measures in certain scenarios (like if you're in a permanent coma or facing a terminal illness). You can also express preferences about pain management, organ donation, and other sensitive issues.
Do I Need These If I'm Young and Healthy?
Yes. Medical crises can happen at any age. Having a Health Care Proxy and Living Will in place gives you and your family peace of mind no matter what happens.
Are These Documents Legally Binding in Massachusetts?
Yes. As long as they're properly signed and witnessed, Massachusetts law recognizes Health Care Proxies and Living Wills. We'll make sure your paperwork complies with all legal requirements.
These documents are a gift to your loved ones-helping them navigate difficult decisions with clarity and confidence.
Ready to Talk?
Call (508) 473-1161 to create or update your health care directives. We'll help you ensure your wishes are documented clearly and legally, so you stay in control of your care.