Advance Directives
The first focus I have with clients involves the review or preparation of documents which might be needed during a client’s lifetime should they become incapable of making their own decisions. These Advance Directives may include the following:
- Health Care Proxy – designating an Agent and Successor Agents to make medical decisions should the client be unable to do so
- HIPAA Release Authorization – designating people who can have access to a client’s medical information, from hospitals and doctors, not to make decisions, but to be able to inquire for status reports and updates if the Agents named in the HCP are not available
- Appointment of Agent for Disposition of Remains – names those who will handle a funeral or cremation, with suggestions for preferences, should a client pass without a prepaid funeral agreement
- Designation of Standby Guardian – names those a client with young children would want to raise those children in the event the parents can no longer do so.
- Power of Attorney – names an Agent and Successor Agents to make all non medical decisions for clients who lose capacity to make these decisions on their own. A properly drafted and executed Health Care Proxy and Power of Attorney will generally avoid the need to ever require Guardianship proceedings for clients.
Experience and Empathy You Can Trust
Steve believes the process should not only be legally correct—but emotionally supportive. He’s the kind of attorney clients feel comfortable calling with questions, and he ensures that family members are kept informed and reassured throughout. In turn, he values working with Executors who are attentive, responsive, and committed to handling the details.
From start to finish, Steve offers more than representation—he offers resolution. His goal is to bring order to complexity and to help families honor the legacy of their loved one with clarity and respect.