New Jersey Estate Planning Lawyer Christine Matus Offers Insight on Becoming a Health Care Proxy

New Jersey - As more individuals take proactive steps to secure their medical futures, The Matus Law Group (https://matuslaw.com/how-do-you-become-someones-health-care-proxy-in-new-jersey) is shedding light on the legal steps involved in appointing or becoming a health care proxy in New Jersey. Christine Matus, one of the dedicated New Jersey estate planning lawyers at the firm, emphasizes the importance of understanding this role and the responsibilities that come with it.

For those who wish to become someone's health care proxy, the process starts with a legally sound document that clearly names the proxy and outlines the authority given. According to Christine Matus, "Becoming a health care proxy is more than filling out a form; it's about understanding the individual's wishes, having tough conversations, and ensuring the paperwork meets all legal requirements in New Jersey." As New Jersey estate planning lawyers, The Matus Law Group helps clients craft directives that not only hold up legally but also reflect the personal values and choices of the individual.

Appointing a health care proxy is a vital part of any comprehensive estate plan, and it's one that requires careful thought. For New Jersey estate planning lawyers like Christine Matus, helping clients handle this process is about more than just the legal mechanics; it's about ensuring that the person chosen to make medical decisions understands the individual's values and is prepared to make difficult choices under pressure.

A health care proxy gives an appointed person the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of someone who becomes incapacitated. This may include choices about treatment plans, resuscitation, and even end-of-life care. Unlike a living will, which outlines specific treatments to accept or reject, a health care proxy allows for more flexibility, empowering the agent to respond to situations as they arise. As Christine Matus explains, "Even if family members know the general wishes, disagreements can happen. A health care proxy eliminates confusion by designating a clear decision-maker."

Without such a document in place, New Jersey law relies on a hierarchy of decision-makers, starting with a spouse or partner, followed by adult children, then parents, and finally other close relatives or individuals who show concern. This can become complicated during emergencies, especially when family members disagree or are unavailable. In some cases, the court may need to appoint a guardian, a process that adds legal challenges and emotional stress during already difficult times.

To avoid these complications, Christine Matus urges individuals to put a health care proxy in writing, using the proper format required under New Jersey law. The document must be signed and either witnessed by two qualifying individuals or acknowledged before a notary. While notarization is not mandatory in New Jersey, it is strongly recommended, especially for those who may travel or seek medical care outside the state, since it helps validate the document's authenticity.

The responsibilities of a health care proxy are significant. The person appointed may need to authorize or refuse treatments, choose doctors, manage long-term care arrangements, and ensure the individual's healthcare preferences are honored. According to Christine Matus, "Being a proxy means stepping into a person's shoes and making choices they would make themselves. It's a role that requires trust, clarity, and legal confidence."

Discussing medical wishes in advance is an essential step in this process. The person chosen should understand how the individual would want to be treated in situations like terminal illness, coma, or when life support is required. Without these conversations, even a valid health care proxy document may lead to uncertainty or conflict.

Templates for health care proxies are available, but Christine Matus warns that many generic forms do not meet New Jersey's legal standards. "Documents purchased from a store or found online may not hold up in a crisis," she says. "They can lead to more confusion than clarity if they are not properly prepared." This is why having legal guidance from a knowledgeable attorney can help avoid mistakes that could invalidate the document or leave key wishes unaddressed.

Creating a health care proxy is not only for older adults. Accidents and sudden illnesses can affect anyone. That's why Christine Matus encourages all adults to consider this step, regardless of age or health. Alongside a living will and financial power of attorney, a health care proxy forms a key part of an estate plan that protects a person's wishes and reduces the burden on loved ones.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between a health care proxy and a medical power of attorney. Both serve to assign decision-making authority, but their scopes may differ slightly. New Jersey law recognizes both, and Christine Matus and her team work with clients to ensure the documents match the individual's goals and circumstances.

The Matus Law Group helps individuals in communities across New Jersey, from Bergen to Camden County, prepare valid health care proxies that reflect their values and meet legal requirements. Whether someone is naming a proxy, being named as one, or updating an older document, Christine Matus provides personalized guidance to help families prepare for medical emergencies with clarity and confidence.

It's important for individuals to keep their documents up to date and share copies with doctors, hospitals, and trusted family members. The original should be stored in a known and accessible location. If the original cannot be located in an emergency, it may complicate the ability of the proxy to act.

Planning ahead ensures decisions are made according to the individual's wishes and avoids confusion during already difficult moments. A thoughtfully prepared health care proxy gives peace of mind to individuals and their loved ones, knowing that medical care will be guided by trusted hands.

For those looking to create or update a health care proxy, The Matus Law Group offers support to make the process clear and legally sound.

About The Matus Law Group:

The Matus Law Group is a New Jersey-based firm committed to helping individuals and families with estate planning matters, including the creation of health care proxies, living wills, and other essential legal documents. Led by attorney Christine Matus, the firm focuses on helping clients protect their values and plan for the future through careful legal preparation.

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