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Michigan Healthcare Power of Attorney

A Healthcare Power of Attorney, sometimes called a Medical Power of Attorney, allows you to select a trusted person to make healthcare choices on your behalf if you become incapacitated. It can be a great comfort to your family and other loved ones to know that your medical decisions have been delegated to someone you trust if the need ever arises. The Rocket Lawyer Michigan Power of Attorney document is quick and easy to understand and simple to create.

There are a few reasons you might want to create a Michigan Power of Attorney. For example, if your health is declining, you have a big surgery scheduled, or you just want to plan for the unexpected. Preparation now can dramatically ease the worry of your loved ones, as it helps ensure that someone you completely trust is in charge of all of your medical decisions if you become incapacitated. Make sure you choose the right person to be your Patient Advocate. It would be helpful if the person lives close by, is likely to follow your wishes, and is willing to accept the responsibility. Having a Medical Power of Attorney in place is the only way to guarantee that the person you want in control of your healthcare is legally authorized to do so.

Use the Michigan Healthcare Power of Attorney document if:

• You have some worries about your future health and want to make sure someone you trust will be in charge.
• A surgery is coming up or you've been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

The Power of Attorney does not have to be notarized, but it is preferable. Alternatively, the Power of Attorney may be witnessed by two people other than the Patient Advocate (person being appointed). The witnesses must also sign the Power of Attorney, demonstrating their participation as such.

If there is no Power of Attorney in place and you become incapacitated, the probate court will appoint a "guardian" to make decisions on your behalf. The judge can appoint a family member or a third party who will need to be paid for the service. Once a guardian is appointed, both you and the guardian will be under the supervision of the probate court. Alternatively, the judge might appoint a family member. Once your family has to bring the matter to probate, you have no control over who might be appointed to be your decision maker, unless you have a Power of Attorney in place.

You do not need to file a Healthcare Power of Attorney in Michigan. Once your document is properly signed or notarized, it becomes a legally binding document. If you become incapacitated, it will be introduced to the probate court, which is why notarization is preferred.