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Ms. Toad

(37,349 posts)
29. Not entirely true.
Sat Jul 19, 2025, 08:27 PM
Saturday

For some things, yes. But there are also some decisions which the spouse cannot make unless granted express permission in advance.

The forms also typically raise questions which you might not think of (e.g. if you are unlikely to recover, do you want your spouse to terminate hydration? nutrition? pain relief, machines breathing for you?). It is good to go through the forms together so your spouse is clear what you want.

I agree that you don't generally need an attorney - the forms are pretty standard, and state-specific forms are almost certainly available from the hospital or state bar association.

But you are far better off with express authorization AND an advance discussion than hoping that the hospital follows your wishes, the law grants you all the permission you need, or that your spouse knows all of the details about where your line in the sand is.

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Should just be a notary fee SickOfTheOnePct Saturday #1
Thanks. That's easy...whew! CTyankee Saturday #4
Call the hospital SARose Saturday #5
Suggest people check their state's Sec of State website for guidance on medical power of attorney language Attilatheblond Saturday #14
Price of a notary which is free if you can get to your county seat. At least here it is. efhmc Saturday #2
Lots of places have notary services for free. Igel Saturday #25
We had ours done when we had our wills drawn up. murielm99 Saturday #3
Depends annalog Saturday #6
Two ideas PJMcK Saturday #7
This is what I used... SickOfTheOnePct Saturday #8
Most of those sites where they charge just copy state's forms. ALWAYS check your state's Sec of State site first Attilatheblond Saturday #15
Agree 100% SickOfTheOnePct Saturday #19
Some bank employees are notaries, I got something notarized for no charge at my bank FakeNoose Saturday #9
The town clerk charges 5 bucks. dem4decades Saturday #11
Lots of these legal forms available onlilne for free along with very good instructions. erronis Saturday #10
AAA might help or refer to someone who will. bucolic_frolic Saturday #12
As a spouse your husband has the final say if you are incapacitated. Hassin Bin Sober Saturday #13
That's what I thought! CTyankee Saturday #16
Not entirely true. Ms. Toad Saturday #29
What state are you in? n/t Ellipsis Saturday #17
best wishes for you Yankee from CT FHRRK Saturday #18
State of Connecticut info and Medical POA forms link Ellipsis Saturday #20
How Much Does a Power of Attorney Cost? Celerity Saturday #21
I found easy forms on FemDemERA Saturday #22
I went Rebl2 Saturday #23
Used to be able to pick up such forms cheaply at a stationary store, but as they don't exist any more, try NOLO Hekate Saturday #24
NOLO isn't state specific - Ms. Toad Saturday #30
Thanks. Didn't know that. When we had a living trust done up we went to a lawyer, but before that ... Hekate Saturday #34
Anything dealing with life and death is likely to vary a lot from state to state Ms. Toad Saturday #35
Free. Jirel Saturday #26
Depends on the locale, type of poa and B.See Saturday #27
Ask the hospital for assistance. Ms. Toad Saturday #28
It's cheap and easy - but do it right: Add estate and Living Wills. Grins Saturday #31
This message was self-deleted by its author Dan Saturday #32
This message was self-deleted by its author PeaceWave Saturday #33
Of course I am seeking counsel with an estate planning attorney....I do not need to be told that... CTyankee Sunday #36
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