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Healthcare Proxy

Health Care Proxy & The Guardianship Process

New York law provides that a person can sign a Health Care Proxy and appoint another person to make health care decisions in the event they become unable to make decisions for themself.  New York City health care proxy lawyers are familiar with Article 29-C of the New York Public Health Law ("PHL") which contains the provisions regarding Health Care Proxies.  This statute is entitled "Health Care Agents and Proxies" and begins with Section 2980 of the PHL.

Section 2981 of the PHL provides that an adult who is competent  can appoint someone as his health care agent by using a Health Care Proxy that he signs and dates which is witnessed in the presence of two witnesses who are adults who also need to sign the proxy.  An example of a form of Health Care Proxy is contained in the statute.

Your agent can be given the broad ability to make most any health care decision for you or you can limit the agent’s authority by specifying the types of decisions you would like the agent to make on your behalf.  Section 2982 of the PHL provides that when an agent is making decisions the agent must act in accordance with the principal's wishes which includes their moral and religious beliefs or, if not known, in accordance with their best interests.

As a New York City health care proxy attorney, I have represented many individuals in connection with the preparation and execution of a Health Care Proxy. These proxies are an important part of a person's overall estate plan. I work closely with my clients in connection with developing and implementing all aspects of their plan.

The New York statute provides specific guidelines regarding health care proxies. It is essential that a person prepare and sign a Health Care Proxy in accordance with the statutory guidelines. It is also essential that a person select a health care agent who will implement the care decisions in accordance with a person's desires.

In the event a person becomes incapacitated and has not signed a Health Care Proxy, it may be necessary to have the Court appoint a Guardian to make these decisions.  As a health care proxy lawyer in New York City, I explain to clients that Guardianship proceedings in New York require a formal hearing in Court. The Court appointed Guardian, even if a family member, may not be as familiar with a person's health care desires as would someone appointed in a Health Care Proxy.

If a person had executed a Health Care Proxy prior to their incapacity, appointment of a Guardian by a Court may be avoided. Additionally, a Health Care Proxy allows a person to select their health care agent rather than have a Court name a Guardian who the incapacitated person may not have chosen if given the opportunity.

If you have a question regarding a Health Care Proxy or Guardianship matter, call me for a free review by a health care proxy attorney in New York City.

I graduated in the top 10% of my class at The New England School of Law in Boston and served on the prestigious “Law Review.” I have also served on the staff of a NYC Councilperson and NYS Assemblyman.

You can contact me by phone at (212) 355-2575 or fill out my contact form.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I am very grateful to Mr. Jules Martin Haas attorney of law in New York. I am from Buenos Aires Argentina. He managed with expertise a very difficult situation. of a complicate heritage from my aunt Anna Grodzka that lived and died a very long time ago in New York. I recommend him not only for his extraordinary knowledge but also for his kindness. Irma CW Peusner
★★★★★
I found Mr. Haas after being misguided by a former attorney. Mr. Jules Haas took our case which involved an estate/trust dispute. What initially seemed like an impossible and overwhelming legal fight was now in the hands of someone who had the integrity and legal expertise to win our case. Mr Haas' attention to detail and his expert knowledge base, skillfully and successfully guided us through an intricate legal process. I am very thankful and grateful to Mr. Jules Haas for representing our interest and ultimately winning. Bringing about a peace of mind we needed. Thank You Devida Nedd
★★★★★
I was in need of a guardianship attorney and I hired the services of Jules M. Haas' Law firm. The service of counselor Haas and his staff, was very profesional and the case was handled in a timely matter. I would strongly recommend his services Angel Guevara
★★★★★
I strongly recommend Jules Haas. I have worked with him for two years and he has provided so much support and followed through with everything he promised he would do. His support staff is just as helpful! We had an interesting case and he helped to solve each part of it legally and was very thorough. Thank you for everything you have done to finalize our families estate Robyn Stafford
★★★★★
Jules Haas helped me with managing the process in probate court for my father's estate through to its completion upon the sale of my father's house. He was knowledgeable, efficient, and effective in submitting documentation to the probate court, explaining procedures to me, and advising me as to the progress of my case. His support staff was also very helpful. He made what for me created so much anxiety into something manageable where I could see progress every step of the way. His fees were very reasonable. I am super grateful to him for all the help he has provided and strongly recommend his services. Diana Janer
★★★★★
I just completed an estate transaction where Jules Haas represented my client in an estate and he did a great job! He was very quick at responding to all matters throughout the sale process, he was detailed, he was knowledgeable and he was a pleasure to work with. I just recommended him to some new clients who are going through an estate matter and will continue to recommend him. Rodolfo Lucchese