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Schwartzberg Law | Experience That Matters | Since 1985

Experience Matters
When Protecting What You Have Worked Hard To Build

Experience Matters

Health care Proxy Attorneys In New Hampshire Offering Estate Planning Guidance For Families

Estate planning is not only about preparing for what happens after your death. It also lets you prepare protections for yourself when sudden incapacitation occurs. Addressing this can be overwhelming, but we can help you establish a plan that addresses your medical concerns.

Since 1985, we at Schwartzberg Law proudly share decades of handling estate planning matters in New Hampshire. Throughout the years, we have helped families anticipate worst-case scenarios by preparing a blueprint that maintains stability. When it comes to medical decisions, you can expect to receive an in-depth analysis from our dependable estate planning attorneys.

What Is A Health care Proxy In New Hampshire?

A health care proxy refers to the durable power of attorney for health care (DPOAH) form. Adding this to your estate plan gives you control over your medical care when you become too sick or incapacitated to decide.

Under state law, you can choose a trusted agent who will speak for you when emergencies arise. While your proxy has this power, it only takes effect when your attending practitioner certifies in writing that you are unable to understand or make decisions for yourself. You also regain control upon your recovery.

How Does A Health care Proxy Differ From A Living Will?

These two documents are different and serve unique purposes. A living will provides the medical instructions that should be followed during extreme cases such as a terminal illness or a permanent state of unconsciousness. Your agent and/or doctor must follow your instructions in the document. Living wills are valid throughout your lifetime and take effect when you are unable to communicate your wishes.

A health care proxy allows your agent to make medical decisions for you. They decide on surgeries, medications and other medical care they deem necessary for you. This power is only in effect while you are incapacitated and it ceases once you have recovered fully.

What Should You Include In A Health care Proxy?

When drafting your DPOAH form, ensure you include these key provisions:

  • Name and contact details of your primary agent
  • Name and contact details of an alternate agent who steps in when the primary proxy is unable to act
  • Explicit limits on your health care agent’s authority
  • Special instructions related to your personal beliefs, quality-of-life boundaries and organ donation preferences

To finalize your advance directive in New Hampshire, you must sign it in the presence of either two qualified subscribing witnesses, a Notary Public or a Justice of the Peace.

We Can Convert Your Doubts Into Confidence

From choosing a reliable health care proxy to preparing your DPOAH form, Schwartzberg Law team is with you. Call us at 603-346-4557 to schedule an appointment, or send us an email.