Planning For Incapacity: Powers Of Attorney and Advanced Directives In Texas

Estate management in Texas refers to the process of organizing, preserving, and distributing an individual’s assets and affairs upon their death or incapacitation. In the realm of Texas estate management, incapacity refers to a legal condition where an individual is unable to make informed decisions or manage their personal and financial affairs due to physical or mental impairments. This state of incapacity can arise from various factors, including advanced age, severe illness, cognitive decline, traumatic injury, or other conditions that hinder an individual’s ability to understand and act on important matters. The various forms of incapacity could include:

1. Cognitive Impairment: Cognitive impairment refers to conditions that affect an individual’s mental faculties, including memory, judgment, and decision-making. Common examples include dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals with cognitive impairment may have difficulty managing their financial affairs and making coherent decisions.

2. Physical Incapacity: Physical incapacity occurs when an individual’s physical health limits their ability to manage daily activities, such as signing documents, accessing financial accounts, or even communicating effectively. This form of incapacity can arise from injuries, severe illnesses, or disabilities.

3. Mental Health Disorders: Mental health disorders, such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, can result in periods of incapacity where individuals are unable to make rational decisions or adequately manage their affairs.

4. Coma or Unconsciousness: Temporary or extended periods of coma or unconsciousness can render individuals incapable of making decisions. This form of incapacity often requires others to make critical healthcare and financial decisions on their behalf.

5. Developmental Disabilities: Individuals with developmental disabilities may have lifelong challenges that limit their capacity to manage their affairs independently. Estate management plans for individuals with developmental disabilities should address their specific needs and support structures.

6. Terminal Illness: Some terminal illnesses, particularly in advanced stages, can result in incapacity. Individuals may be unable to make healthcare decisions or handle financial matters due to the severity of their condition.

7. Substance Abuse: Substance abuse issues can lead to periods of incapacity, during which individuals may make poor financial decisions or neglect their responsibilities.

8. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Traumatic brain injuries resulting from accidents or other incidents can lead to varying degrees of cognitive impairment, affecting an individual’s ability to manage their affairs.

Incapacity holds significant implications for estate management in Texas, particularly in the following areas:

Financial Decision-Making: An incapacitated individual may struggle to handle their financial matters effectively. This includes managing bank accounts, investments, paying bills, and making informed decisions regarding their assets and debts. Financial mismanagement during incapacity can lead to financial difficulties and potential losses.

Healthcare Decisions: Incapacity extends to healthcare decision-making. Someone who lacks capacity may be unable to provide informed consent for medical treatments or make decisions about their healthcare. This becomes particularly critical in situations where medical decisions are urgently required.

Estate Planning: Incapacity can disrupt an individual’s ability to create, amend, or revoke essential legal documents related to their estate. These documents include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives. Addressing incapacity in estate planning is crucial to determine who will manage the individual’s affairs and make decisions on their behalf when they are no longer capable.

Planning For Incapacity In Texas

Planning for incapacity in Texas is a crucial aspect of comprehensive estate management. It involves creating a framework to address various forms of incapacity, ensuring that your interests are protected and your wishes are upheld, even when you are unable to make decisions independently. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to plan for incapacity in Texas:

• Power Of Attorney:

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants someone, often referred to as the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact,” the authority to act on behalf of another person, known as the “principal,” in various legal, financial, and personal matters. In Texas, as in other states, a Power of Attorney is a crucial legal tool that can be used for various purposes, depending on its type and scope. Texas recognizes different types of Powers of Attorney. The most common ones include:

1. Durable POA

2. Medical POA

The authority granted through a Power of Attorney can vary widely based on the document’s language and the principal’s preferences. It can include managing finances, signing legal documents, making healthcare decisions, or handling specific transactions. In Texas, a Power of Attorney document must be signed by the principal in the presence of a notary public and two witnesses who are not named as agents or beneficiaries. However, there are exceptions for military personnel and certain individuals with disabilities. Unless specified as “irrevocable,” a Power of Attorney in Texas can typically be revoked by the principal at any time, as long as they have the capacity to do so.

A Power of Attorney terminates upon the death of the principal or if the principal revokes it while they have the capacity to do so. In the case of a Durable Power of Attorney, it may also terminate if the court determines that the agent is not acting in the best interests of the principal. It’s advisable to seek legal advice when creating a Power of Attorney in Texas to ensure that the document complies with state laws and meets your specific needs and objectives.

Apart from POA’s, there are other directives used to combat incapacity in Texas. Other advanced directives in Texas include:

• Living Will:

A Living Will, also known as an Advance Healthcare Directive, outlines an individual’s preferences for medical treatments and interventions in end-of-life situations. It provides guidance to medical professionals and the healthcare agent regarding the use of life-sustaining measures like ventilators, feeding tubes, and resuscitation.

• Out-of-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order:

An Out-of-Hospital DNR order is a medical order issued by a healthcare provider at the request of a patient with a terminal or irreversible condition. It specifies that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should not be attempted outside of a hospital setting.

• Directive to Physicians (Living Will with Medical Power of Attorney):

This combined document allows individuals to express their preferences for end-of-life care (similar to a Living Will) while also designating a healthcare agent (similar to an MPOA). It ensures that both the person’s written wishes and the decisions of their appointed agent are considered.

• Appointment of Agent to Control Disposition of Remains:

This document designates an agent who has the authority to make decisions regarding the disposition of the individual’s remains after their passing, such as choices about burial, cremation, or organ donation.

• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Bracelet or Necklace Order:

In addition to the Out-of-Hospital DNR order, some individuals choose to wear a DNR bracelet or necklace to alert emergency medical personnel and healthcare providers to their preference for no resuscitation.

It’s important to note that the requirements and procedures for Advanced Directives in Texas may differ from those in other states, so it’s advisable to consult with a qualified attorney or healthcare professional to ensure compliance with Texas laws and to create documents that accurately reflect your preferences and values. These Advanced Directives empower individuals to make important healthcare decisions, maintain control over their medical treatment, and relieve their loved ones of the burden of making difficult choices during challenging times.

Other Updated Articles you may be interested in:

1. The benefits of having a power of attorney in Texas
2. The Role of a Power of Attorney in Texas: How It Works and Why You Need One
3. Why Powers of Attorney are So Important
4. Who has power of attorney after death if there is no will?
5. Who has rights to property after death?
6. What are the impacts if you die without a will in Texas?
7. Will Basics in Texas
8. How often do wills need to be updated?
9. What will it cost me if I delay getting my estate planning done… or just don’t do it all?
10. Dangers of Common Law Marriage with Estate Planning
11. How much does a lawyer charge to draw up a will?
12. Why you would want to update your will and trust if you are moving to Texas from another state

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Bryan Joseph Fagan( Attorney )

Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.

Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.

His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.

Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.