Wisconsin Medical Power of Attorney Lawyer

In a situation where you have become incapacitated or unable to make your own medical decisions, you need someone you trust to be your voice. A medical power of attorney document allows you to appoint someone close to you to make healthcare decisions for you if you become unable to make them for yourself. Work with an experienced Wisconsin medical power of attorney lawyer at Niebler Pyzyk to ensure your preferences are legally documented. With Niebler Pyzyk guiding you, you can have peace of mind in choosing an advocate to represent your wishes if you become incapacitated. Our attorneys will help you choose an agent, customize legal documents to your specific needs and ensure your medical power of attorney is properly executed under Wisconsin Law.

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What is a medical power of attorney? 

A medical power of attorney is a legal document allowing you to appoint someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you if you become unable to make them yourself. This person, referred to as your healthcare agent or proxy, should understand your values and wishes when it comes to medical treatment. Most medical powers of attorney are written to be durable, meaning the agent’s authority continues if you remain incapacitated and unable to communicate your preferences. Designating medical power of attorney in conjunction with your estate planning process provides you and your loved ones with comprehensive peace of mind that your wishes and rights will be upheld.

Why You Need a Medical Power of Attorney

Without designating a medical power of attorney you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf, your medical treatment may not align with your values and preferences if you become incapacitated. A medical power of attorney provides you and your loved ones with peace of mind, knowing there is a plan in place for your care. Appointing a healthcare agent now, while you are able, is crucial for maintaining control over your medical treatment.

Contact Niebler Pyzyk today. We’ll advise you and provide step-by-step guidance in each stage of the process of appointing a medical power of attorney.

What to Consider When Choosing a Medical Power of Attorney

Choosing your medical power of attorney is an important decision and requires careful thought. This person will have the legal authority to make critical healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. You need someone who thoroughly understands your preferences and will represent your wishes accurately when you cannot speak for yourself.

Key factors to keep in mind when choosing your medical power of attorney:

• Pick someone you trust completely to carry out your wishes and respect your values. This person may have to make difficult decisions on your behalf.
• Your wishes may be challenged, so choose someone assertive enough to stand up to pressure from doctors or family members if needed.
• Proximity is important. Pick someone who lives near you and can be available in an emergency.
• Consider who your financial power of attorney is and be sure both your financial and medical power of attorney will work well together.
• Pick someone you believe will be calm under pressure and can communicate effectively on your behalf. Speaking decisively with doctors will be important.
• Make sure the person is willing and able to take on this major responsibility you are entrusting them with.

The person you choose as your medical power of attorney will have significant power and responsibility if you become unable to make your own medical decisions. The Milwaukee medical power of attorney lawyers at Niebler Pyzyk can provide guidance in choosing the right healthcare agent and assist you in completing and filing the proper paperwork. Our experienced team will help ensure your medical wishes are legally documented and empower your chosen agent to confidently make decisions on your behalf.

When does medical power of attorney take effect? 

According to Wisconsin State Statutes §455.01(4) and §448.01(5), your medical power of attorney document will take effect if you are declared to be incapacitated by two separate physicians, or one physician and one licensed psychologist.

Common scenarios in which your medical power of attorney will take effect:

• While you are under general anesthesia
• If you have an illness leaving you unable to effectively communicate
• If you have an accident leaving you in a coma or unconscious state
• If you are suffering from Alzheimer's or another form of dementia seriously impacting your ability to make rational decisions

When these situations arise, your chosen healthcare agent will be instructed to make any necessary healthcare decisions on your behalf. Your agent should attempt to discuss any specific decisions with you if you are able to communicate in any way and base any decisions they make on the provisions you have laid out within your medical power of attorney document and any health care choices you have expressed prior to your incapacitation.

Trusted Medical Power of Attorney Lawyers in Milwaukee

Niebler Pyzyk’s expert attorneys will help you draft a medical power of attorney document to your specifications, and if necessary help advise you on who could best perform critical and sensitive duties as your healthcare agent.

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We serve the greater Milwaukee area from our convenient Menomonee Falls location including Waukesha, Brookfield, Glendale, Mequon, Germantown, Grafton, Cedarburg, Wauwatosa, Hartland, Pewaukee, Sussex, New Berlin, Oak Creek, West Allis, West Bend, Port Washington & the surrounding communities.