WARNING! Health Care Power of Attorney Ahead

Ladders.  Microwaves. Scissors.  Lawn mowers.  Health Care Power of Attorneys.  These items all have in common one thing: they each come with Warnings.  Perhaps the risks and dangers are obvious such as sharp edges on scissors or potential fall from heights from ladders.  Perhaps the risks relate to operation such as items not to be placed in microwaves or areas not to touch on a lawn mower. 

But a Health Care Power of Attorney?  You might get a paper cut?  The staple fastening the pages might cause a puncture wound?  The Health Care Power of Attorney Warnings direct caution in proceeding in granting upon Health Care Agents powers to make medical decisions relating to your care and well-being.  They may dictate your long-term care and quality of life.  They may even be matters of your own life and death.  Warnings, indeed, are appropriate.

I anticipate that teetering on the top of a ten foot ladder could be dangerous.  I may not meaningfully appreciate that granting my Health Care Agent certain powers may result in termination of my existence.

I am not aware of other legal documents which include Warnings beyond Health Care Powers of Attorney.  Perhaps they should:  mortgages, settlement agreements and marriage licenses come to mind.  Not all Warnings address physical risks. The risks may not even be obvious.  Yet, Warnings on Health Care Powers of Attorney are crucial.  Estate Planning Attorney Michael Geiger can assist with your decisions involving your own Health Care Agents.  Reach out for Michael at (901) 219-5549 or at michael@geigerattorney.com.  Michael prepares comprehensive estate plans including Warnings on certain documents.