No one likes to think about estate planning, except lawyers, bankers and financial planners, because no one wants to think about dying. This is not about dying, but how these documents can help you when you are alive and need help.
Ohio Durable Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney gives you the power to appoint a trusted family member or friend as an agent to manage your finances if you are no longer capable of managing them yourself, such as if you become temporarily or permanently incapacitated, detained or out of the United States.
If you become incapacitated and have no statutory durable power of attorney in place, a court-ordered guardianship may be necessary. Guardianship is time-consuming and expensive, and can be avoided by creating a power of attorney.
Ohio Medical Power of Attorney
A medical power of attorney allows you to designate a trusted family member or friend to make medical decisions for you if you become unconscious or mentally incapable of making those decisions for yourself.
Medical powers of attorney are not just for the elderly. Unexpected injuries or illness can occur at any age, so all adults should have one in place.
HIPAA Authorization
HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is a Federal law that sets rules and limits on who can look at your medical records or receive your health information. Covered entities that violate HIPAA face stiff penalties, which make them reluctant to share medical information with anyone but the patient, even close family members.
A HIPAA authorization allows you to name an individual who can have access to your medical information so your health care provider or insurance company have no reservations about sharing medical information with those whom you have authorized.
Think about how these documents can be helpful to you and your family members. If you have questions please call so we can discuss these documents and your best options.