Powers of Attorney and Living Wills
What They Are and Why You Need Them
The water bill does not stop when you are in the ICU. Neither do medical decisions. Without the right documents in place, hospitals follow policy, bills go unpaid, and even a loving child can be told they cannot decide for a parent. We help you make sure your wishes are honored and your life keeps moving when you cannot speak for yourself.
At Costaras Law, we guide clients through two essential planning tools: powers of attorney and the living will. These legal documents appoint trusted decision makers and clearly state your healthcare preferences so your family is not left guessing and your care team knows exactly what to do.
What a Living Will Covers
Why These Documents Matter
A living will is not a last will and testament. It is a healthcare directive that states your wishes about life-sustaining treatment. Typical decisions include:
- Resuscitation preferences, including Do Not Resuscitate orders.
- Intubation and ventilation.
- Use of certain pharmaceutical treatments.
- Organ and tissue donation and other anatomical gifts.
When these wishes are clear and formalized, providers can follow them, and your healthcare power of attorney can advocate effectively.
Incapacity can happen suddenly. Without a durable power of attorney and healthcare power of attorney:
- Bills may go unpaid and accounts can be frozen.
- Hospitals may follow default policies that do not reflect your values.
- Family members can be blocked from making decisions, even if they know your wishes.
These documents are especially important if you have substantial assets that require management or if you have specific medical beliefs about surgeries, medications, or life support.
Choosing Your Agent: Trust Comes First
When a Limited or Specific Power of Attorney Makes Sense
The most important factor is trust. Many clients choose a spouse, adult child, or sibling. Consider:
- Reliability and proximity.
- Ability to stay calm and advocate under pressure.
- Financial capability for the durable power of attorney.
- Alignment with your medical values for the healthcare power of attorney.
Avoid handing broad authority to anyone who is not closely tied to you. Talk to your chosen agents about your wishes so they are ready to act.
You do not always need a blanket authorization. A narrowly tailored power of attorney can solve a targeted problem, such as:
- Allowing our firm to communicate with an insurance company on your behalf.
- Authorizing someone to complete a single transaction or obtain specific records.
We define the scope precisely so authority is clear and limited to what you need.
Review and Update Every Five Years
How Costaras Law Helps
Life changes. The person who was the best choice five years ago might not be today. We regularly help clients:
- Reassign roles between children or between spouse and child.
- Update healthcare preferences.
- Replace an agent who is no longer available.
Revisions are straightforward. We make updates easy and effective.
We create clear, state-compliant documents tailored to your situation. Our support includes:
- Thoughtful counseling on agent selection.
- Drafting durable and healthcare powers of attorney and a living will that reflect your wishes.
- Setting appropriate limits or broad authority as needed.
- Coordinating execution with witnesses and a notary.
- Providing guidance on sharing documents with family, doctors, and financial institutions.
- Streamlined updates as your life evolves.
Take the Next Step
Protect your wishes and spare your family from hard decisions without guidance. Contact Costaras Law to schedule a consultation. We will help you put the right powers of attorney and a living will in place so the right person can act for you at the right time.
Why Past Clients Trust Costaras Law
Discover How They Found It A Simple and Easy Process
Jan C.
Happy Grandma
Attorney Nicholas Costaras prepared my Will and Estate Planning documents. He made the process simple, easy, and straightforward for me. If you need to get your Will or Estate Plan in order, you'll love having him on your side!
Amanda M.
Entrepreneur & Mom
Mr. Costaras is a pleasure to work with. He is patient, highly knowledgeable, and an expert at what he does. He helped me prepare my documents quickly and efficiently. He is a rare gem in the world of law. Anticipate exceptional service.
Debora Z.
Retired & Loving It
Attorney Costaras prepared a full Estate Plan for me. He explained the difference between a Revocable Living Trust and a Last Will & Testament. Thanks to his help, I now have my Estate Planning in order. I highly recommend him!
Take the Next Step
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Ready to explore your options? Partner with Costaras Law for expert guidance and strategic solutions.
Schedule a consultation with Nicholas Costaras today and take the first step toward achieving your business goals.