Medical Proxy
Health Care Proxy Services by 855 Get A Will
If you became unable to speak for yourself due to illness or injury, who would make your medical decisions? At 855 Get A Will, we help New York residents prepare a legally valid health care proxy that names a trusted person to act on their behalf and ensures their medical wishes are respected.
A properly prepared health care proxy in New York gives you and your family clarity during difficult moments.
Our Health Care Proxy Services
We assist individuals, couples, and families throughout New York with health care decision-making documents that are clear, complete, and tailored to personal values and circumstances.
Health Care Proxy Preparation
We prepare a health care proxy that names your agent and an alternate agent, and that meets New York’s legal requirements. We also help you consider whether to include specific instructions about your wishes.
Living Will Preparation
A living will records your preferences about life-sustaining treatment, such as resuscitation, ventilators, and artificial nutrition. Used together with a health care proxy, it gives your agent and medical team clear guidance.
Comprehensive Incapacity Planning
Medical decisions are only one part of planning for incapacity. We coordinate your health care proxy with a power of attorney and your will or trust so that your health, financial, and estate plans work together.
HIPAA Authorization Forms
A HIPAA release allows your agent and chosen family members to access your medical information, which helps them make informed decisions.
Review and Updates of Existing Documents
We review existing health care proxies to confirm they still reflect your wishes, name the right people, and remain accessible when needed. Updates are often appropriate after marriage, divorce, relocation, or a change in health.
Benefits of a Health Care Proxy
- Your voice is preserved: A person you trust makes decisions that reflect your values.
- Reduced family conflict: One designated decision-maker limits disagreement during stressful situations.
- Faster decisions: Doctors and hospitals know who to consult without waiting for court approval.
- Flexibility: You can include guidance on treatment preferences and change your proxy at any time while you have capacity.
- Peace of mind: Your loved ones are spared from guessing what you would have wanted.
Our Health Care Proxy Process
01
Initial Consultation
We discuss your health care values, family relationships, and concerns, including who you would trust to act as your agent.
02
Choosing Your Agent & Alternate
We help you think through the qualities of a good agent, such as availability, communication skills, and willingness to follow your wishes, and identify a backup in case your first choice cannot serve.
03
Document Preparation
We prepare your health care proxy and any related documents, such as a living will and HIPAA authorization, in line with New York requirements.
04
Signing and Witnessing
New York generally requires that a health care proxy be signed by you in the presence of two adult witnesses. Your chosen agent cannot serve as a witness. We coordinate this step so your document is properly executed.
05
Distribution and Safekeeping
We advise you to provide copies to your agent, alternate, doctors, and family, and to keep the original in an accessible place.
Why Professional Legal Assistance Matters
Although New York offers a standard health care proxy form, small mistakes can create real problems, such as an unclear agent designation, improper witnessing, or instructions that conflict with other documents. Legal guidance helps ensure your proxy is valid, consistent with your broader estate plan, and easy for hospitals and providers to follow.
An attorney can also help address complex family situations, out-of-state considerations, and specific medical or religious preferences. Having a health care proxy in New York prepared with professional support helps ensure it works when it is needed.
Who Should Have a Health Care Proxy?
Every adult can benefit from a health care proxy, regardless of age or health. Accidents and sudden illness can happen at any time. It is especially important for individuals who are married or in a partnership, have children, are preparing for surgery, are managing a chronic condition, or want to control who speaks for them in medical situations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Health Care Proxies in New York
It is a legal document that names a person, called an agent, to make medical decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself.
Any adult you trust can serve. It is wise to name an alternate agent in case your first choice is unavailable.
A lawyer is not required, but legal guidance helps ensure the document is valid, clear, and coordinated with your other estate planning documents.
It takes effect only when a doctor determines you lack the capacity to make your own health care decisions.
Start Your Will With 855 Get A Will
Whether you are creating your first will or updating an existing one, 855 Get A Will provides clear guidance and dependable legal support. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your family’s future.