Your Health Care, Your Decision: Estate Planning Attorney Explains Why Planning Ahead Pays Off

We often picture health care decisions as something that only comes up in a hospital setting, but the truth is, these choices deserve your attention long before a crisis arises. As experienced estate planning attorneys serving Tulsa and Broken Arrow families, we’ve seen how advance planning can make a profound difference for both individuals and their loved ones during challenging times.

The Power of Being Proactive

Consider this scenario: If you couldn’t speak for yourself tomorrow, would your loved ones know your health care wishes? Would they have the legal authority to help carry them out?

Without proper planning, families often find themselves struggling with difficult decisions while simultaneously dealing with emotional stress and uncertainty about what their loved one would have wanted.

Essential Health Care Planning Tools

A comprehensive set of health care planning documents helps ensure your medical wishes are known and respected. These important tools serve several critical functions:

Health Care Power of Attorney

This document appoints a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. Your agent becomes your voice during critical health care discussions.

HIPAA Authorization

This allows selected individuals to access your medical information, which is otherwise protected by strict privacy laws. Without this, even your health care agent could be left in the dark.

Advance Health Care Directive

This outlines your preferences for treatment at the end of life. You can specify your wishes regarding life support, pain management, organ donation, and other important care decisions.

Clearing Up Common Misconceptions

As estate planning attorneys, we often hear people say they’re too young or healthy to need these documents. However, health care emergencies can happen at any age and without warning.

Others assume their spouse or adult children can automatically make decisions for them. Unfortunately, without proper legal documentation, even close family members may find themselves unable to help when needed most.

Benefits Beyond Crisis Management

While these documents are invaluable during medical emergencies, they serve other important purposes too. They can:

• Prevent family conflicts about your care
• Reduce delays in medical treatment
• Ensure your personal beliefs are respected
• Provide clarity about end-of-life care preferences
• Give you control over your health care journey

Taking Action Today

Creating these essential health care documents doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Working with our experienced team can help you understand your options. We can draft documents that truly reflect your wishes. We’ll help you think through important decisions and ensure your documents meet all legal requirements.

Ready to take control of your healthcare future? Contact our office at (918) 608-1836 or click here to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you create a plan that protects your wishes and gives both you and your loved ones peace of mind.