FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives, Incapacity

Can Physicians in Texas Withhold Life Support Against Patient’s Wishes?

Most of the time, Directive to Physicians are signed by patients who do not want their lives prolonged by life-sustaining treatments; however, sometimes the situation is reversed. For…

FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives

Is an Agent Named in a Durable Power of Attorney Legally Responsible for the Debts of a Principal?

An agent named in a durable power of attorney is generally not responsible for the debt of the principal unless they are a party to the debt or…

FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives

What is a Texas Medical Power of Attorney?

A Texas medical power of attorney is a document that allows you, the principal, to designate a trusted family member or friend to make medical decisions for…

FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives

Can Life Support Be Withheld If A Patient Has Not Signed A Directive To Physicians?

Most Americans have not executed basic estate planning documents. Studies show that more than half of Americans have not executed a basic will. Even fewer have executed…

FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives, Incapacity

Can I Appoint My Own Guardian In Case I Become Incapacitated?

A power of attorney can generally eliminate the need for a guardianship; however, a guardian may sometimes be required despite having a Texas medical power of…

Estate Planning, FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives

Would You Like a Power of Attorney with that Diploma?

It’s that time of year again. High school seniors are preparing to graduate and head off to college, and parents are wondering how it’s possible that their…

FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives

Can I Authorize a Relative to Make Medical Decisions for my Minor Child?

I recently received a note from concerned grandparents. Their daughter had died, and their son- in-law worked twelve hours a day, seven days a week, and was…

FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives

Is an Advance Directive Signed In Another State Valid in Texas?

A living will, or directive to physicians, is a document that allows you to instruct your physicians not to use artificial methods to extend your life in…

FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives

Can I Get Medical Power of Attorney Over an Incapacitated Person?

A distraught mother contacted me. Her daughter was incapacitated in an intensive care unit as a result of a drug overdose, and her drug-addicted son-in-law was in…

FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives

Would You Choose Physician-Assisted Suicide If You Had A Terminal Illness?

While standing in line at the grocery store a few days ago, the cover of People magazine caught my eye. It was a photograph of Brittany Maynard,…