Attorneys in the New Orleans Metro Area
Extensive Experience Handling Powers of Attorney and Living Wills
While it is essential to plan for the distribution of your assets in the event of your death, it is also critical to prepare for the possibility that you may become sick, injured, or disabled and unable to make or communicate decisions for yourself. You may suffer from dementia or a stroke. You may have a medical condition that prevents you from managing your own affairs. You can simplify matters for your loved ones by putting in place powers of attorney and living wills, documents that specify who will make decisions for you and the specific choices you want made, if you lack capacity or ability to do so.
At the law office of Gary S. Brown, LLC, we bring over 25 years of experience to people throughout the greater New Orleans area who need assistance with succession planning, including the preparation and execution of powers of attorney and living wills. We take a team approach with every client, employing the skills of all of our lawyers to best meet your needs. We care deeply about your well-being and work hard to find creative solutions to help you reach your goals. To arrange a free initial consultation, contact our office or call us at 504-561-8700 (toll-free at 877-568-8700).
Protecting Your Rights with a Living Will
We will help you prepare and put in place a living will, which is a legally binding document that identifies in advance your intentions should it become impossible for you to make or communicate your decisions because of a terminal illness or persistent comatose state. A living will allows you to specify the type of treatment you want to receive (or do not wish to receive) in these circumstances. You can clearly indicate the measures that you want employed or excluded, such as artificial life support, resuscitation attempts, or the use of other machines or treatment to minimize or alleviate pain.
Securing Your Interests with a Power of Attorney
You may have a power of attorney drafted to appoint a trusted person to legally handle your affairs simply for your convenience at anytime. You may grant someone as much or as little authority as you like and our attorneys can also help you take the necessary steps to revoke a power of attorney you may already have that is not serving your best interests effectively. You may also have a power of attorney drafted now but that will not go into effect until the happening of some special condition you identify, such as your medical incapacity. Such a power of attorney is known as a springing power of attorney. Most importantly, you should have a power of attorney that is legally enforceable in the event you become incapacitated. Such a power of attorney is called a durable power of attorney. Our lawyers will help you identify the practical difficulties that can occur in the event of your incapacity and the ways a power of attorney can be beneficial. We draft and assist with the execution of many different types of powers of attorney, including:
- Powers of Attorney for Financial Matters. A financial power of attorney designates the person who will make decisions regarding the management of your assets and liabilities. It also identifies the extent of authority granted to the designee. Customarily, this type of power of attorney grants the right to make decisions to buy or sell property, handle tax issues and otherwise manage finances in ways that best protect you and help provide for any care you need.
- Medical Powers of Attorney. A medical power of attorney (sometimes called a health care directive), gives the designee the power to make decisions about your physical or mental well-being, whether or not you are terminally ill. It may also specify the types of treatment you want employed or excluded, giving the designee guidance regarding your wishes. A medical power of attorney often includes a living will.
Contact Our Office
To schedule a free initial consultation, contact us or call us at 504-561-8700 (toll-free at 877-568-8700). We are conveniently located in the Central Business District in New Orleans.