Powers of attorney & health care
Make the hard moments less uncertain.
These documents let the people you trust handle practical and medical decisions if you cannot speak or act for yourself.
Three documents that work together
Durable power of attorney
This lets someone you trust pay bills, work with financial institutions, and handle money matters if you cannot.
Advance health care directive
This names who makes medical decisions for you and records the care you would want if you could not speak for yourself.
HIPAA authorization
This gives your family a clear way to speak with your doctors and receive the information they need.
Choose people, then choose backups
The right person is someone who understands your wishes, can stay calm under pressure, and is willing to act. You should also choose a backup in case your first choice cannot serve.
During your first meeting, Claire will help you think through each role. You do not need a perfect answer before you arrive.
Prepare for your first meetingA difficult gap
If you have none of these
If you cannot handle your own affairs and have no durable power of attorney, your family may have to ask a court to appoint a conservator.
Without a HIPAA authorization, doctors may not talk to them.