The Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the most important real estate planning documents.It provides legal power for loved ones Health care decision If you are incapacitated due to sickness, illness or injury, it represents you. However, if you are suffering from a mental illness, paranoia, or other mental illness due to dementia or other mental health conditions, the standard power of attorney may not authorize the correct help. If you wish to appoint one or more trusted individuals to make decisions about your mental health, then you will need a Mental Health Power of Attorney.

What is a mental health power of attorney?

A mental health power of attorney is a notarized document that authorizes someone to make mental health care decisions on your behalf. With this file, you can grant people you trust with legal authority to meet your mental health needs according to your wishes. While you still have the ability to express your wishes, creating this document is essential.

If I am not mentally ill, why do I need a mental health authorization letter?

If your family member has a history of mental illness, dementia or Parkinson’s disease, which may make you more susceptible to mental illness or dementia, the “Mental Health Power of Attorney” is particularly important.

Even without a family history or diagnosis, not preparing the document is still an essential aspect of planning for the future. By the time a mental health problem or crisis arises, it may be too late to grant the necessary legal authority to let a trusted friend or family member help you make a beneficial decision based on your instructions and wishes.

What power does the agent have in the mental health POA?

When you sign and sign the “Mental Health Power of Attorney”, you are called “I”. The person or persons you are authorized to make mental health decisions on your behalf are called your “agents.” This document can grant your agent very specific, limited or very broad permissions, allowing you to put on your shoes and make decisions about participation in drugs, therapies, and research.

What is the difference between a health care authorization letter and a mental health POA?

A kind Medical care authorization If you are unable to make a decision on your own, you are allowed to authorize one or more designated persons to make medical decisions on your behalf. For example, suppose you are involved in a serious motor vehicle accident and lose consciousness after a period of time. In this case, the agent designated in your “Health Care Authorization Letter” can intervene and make decisions about your medical treatment, because you will not be able to do so yourself.

Similarly, if you suffer from dementia or other mental health conditions that cause your thinking to be completely impaired or lose communication skills, the “Mental Health Power of Attorney” allows you to designate a trustworthy individual to speak for you And make care decisions on your behalf.

Does the health care authorization cover mental health?

If you have prepared a “Health Care Authorization Form” (POA), please check whether it contains a mental health service authorization form. In some cases, the “Mental Health Power of Attorney” must be a separate document, while in other cases, it can be a separately signed and signed part of a health care (POA) document.Use a check Rocket Lawyer’s Essay® Lawyer Know what your state needs.

When should I prepare for a mental health POA?

When you are mentally competent, you must create a power of attorney. In other words, once an injury or illness prevents you from making your own decision, you cannot make a decision. Therefore, it is very important to prepare this document as early as possible, not later, and most certainly it should be completed before it is needed.

How can I obtain a power of attorney for a mentally ill person?

People with mental illness may still be able to create a Power of Attorney (POA), fully understand what they have signed and understand the consequences of doing so. However, if you have any questions about their abilities, you should consult the person’s doctor for their opinion.

If you determine that the person is mentally unsuitable to perform the POA of the mental health decision, you will have to petition the court to grant you custody of the person’s affairs. If you have questions about guardianship and the process of obtaining guardianship, please contact a lawyer.

Have a mental health power of attorney and live with confidence

The mental health power of attorney is an important part of a comprehensive estate plan. If you already plan to create a power of attorney, why not add a plan to address mental health incompetence? If you already have a power of attorney, now may be a good time to add a power of attorney for mental health decisions.

If you think that a mental health authorization is right for you, Rocket Lawyer can help you create custom documents at an affordable price, with or without lawyer assistance.

This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm, nor is it a lawyer or a substitute for a law firm. The law is complex and changes frequently.Seek legal advice Ask a lawyer.