Medical Power of Attorney in Dallas-Fort Worth
Sound Counsel for Durable MPOAs in Texas
Navigating medical and healthcare decisions can be a complex process, especially for Texans who may be unfit to make these important decisions for themselves. In the event that you become incapacitated or are otherwise incapable of making healthcare decisions for yourself, a Medical Power of Attorney (“MPOA”) can help resolve the issue by empowering a trusted agent of your choosing to step in and make informed medical decisions on your behalf, ensuring that your healthcare preferences are respected and the best possible choices are made in line with your values and wishes.
At Crain & Wooley, our seasoned DFW attorneys have extensive experience helping Texans prepare for the future. Since 2018, our compassionate firm has committed to delivering sound counsel and high-end representation to families in life's toughest seasons. Our in-depth legal knowledge makes us well-equipped to guide the steps of you and your loved ones wisely and effectively throughout the complexities of Texas probate and estate planning.
Our seasoned lawyers offer free consultations to help Texans plan for the future. Call (972) 945-1610 to request an appointment with a skilled attorney in DFW.
What Is a Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA)?
In Texas, a durable Power of Attorney or POA is a legal document that allows Texans to designate a trusted party to make important decisions—such as financial, medical, and other legal decisions—on their behalf in the event that they become incapacitated, or are otherwise incapable of making these decisions for themselves. POAs can take various forms, including financial POAs.
A Medical Power of Attorney is more than just a piece of paper—it's a legally binding document to safeguard your future health and wellbeing. An MPOA allows you to appoint a trusted individual or “agent” to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
Selecting an Agent for a Texas MPOA
Creating a legally effective (“durable”) MPOA can ensure that a person’s healthcare wishes are respected and carried out, even if they can't communicate them independently due to incapacitation or illness. The appointed agent in MPOAs is granted the authority to make a wide range of health-related decisions, from consenting to or refusing medical treatment to deciding long-term care options.
However, the power of the appointed MPOA agent is limited. The agent is legally obligated to act in the principal's best interests while complying with all terms and conditions outlined in the document.
Legal Requirements for MPOAs in Texas
To create a valid MPOA, certain legal requirements must be met. Texas law requires the principal to read a disclosure statement explaining the implications of an MPOA before signing to express their agreement and understanding of its terms and conditions. For an MPOA to be legally valid, the principal must sign the MPOA before two witnesses or have their signature acknowledged by a notary public.
When choosing an agent, it’s essential to consider their willingness and ability to make potentially difficult decisions for your life and health. The principal may also benefit from discussing their healthcare preferences with potential agents in advance to gain a better understanding of that person’s approach and capabilities.
Can a Texas MPOA Be Revoked or Modified?
Yes. You can revoke or modify your MPOA at any point, as long as you demonstrate the mental competence to do so.
Living Wills vs. MPOAs: What’s the Difference?
Both MPOAs and living wills are essential components of Texas estate planning, but they aren’t the same. Each serves its own distinct purpose when it comes to Texas law.
A living will is a legal document that outlines your end-of-life healthcare preferences. Unlike the MPOA, living wills do not appoint an agent to make decisions for you. Instead, it declares your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments and medical care in the event of a terminal condition or permanent unconsciousness.
Contact a Trusted MPOA Lawyer in DFW
Our knowledgeable advocates at Crain & Wooley provide superior representation to Texas families in Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond. With a focus on compassion and transparency, you can trust our Texas attorneys to guide you and your loved ones with integrity and wisdom.
Our award-winning lawyers have a successful track record of delivering high-end counsel to Texans in need, from probate law to estate planning to trusts. Don’t wait to lay the foundation for your future. Reach out to our firm to learn how we can help ensure your loved ones are cared for in the years to come.
Preparing for the future can be difficult, but you don’t have to navigate the complexities of estate planning alone. Call (972) 945-1610 to book an appointment with an experienced attorney in DFW.
Satisfied Clients Tell Their Stories
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"Thank you and God Bless you"
Thank you for being my Living Trust and other Estate documents attorney. Due to our move and storage of business and personal documents, we had trouble locating & we took a lot longer to respond to your drafts, etc. You were very patient with me and my needing lots of explaining of legal terms and meanings. At my age, I was concerned about getting things done but wanting it all done right. You were very prompt in responding to my questions and I think by time of signing I felt confident we had things just the way we wanted to protect my heirs. Thank you and God Bless you.
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I am very much appreciated your service If anyone like me needed your service I will introduce about you. Everything you did with in a week. Very much satisfied all your service.- Sarah P. -
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Learning about trusts at the meal was easy and educational. The set down at the office was where the finer points of trusts was explained. That is where and when we decided to make it safe and easy for our heirs. Our final meeting where we signed everything and an explanation of each item was given went smooth and easy. All in all I would say the investment in the trust was worth it.
Thank you to Crain & Wooley office and staff- Anonymous -
"Professional and knowledgeable"
My husband and I recently had our living trust completed through the help of Crain and Wooley. Justin and his staffs are professional and knowledgeable. A special thanks to client education specialist Stephen. He is such a nice gentleman and always answers our questions clearly and right to the point, and always ready to help by answering your concerns promptly. We will certainly refer the law firm to our families and friends!
- Susan X. -
"Excellent, Highly recommend"
We went to seminar to just find out what we needed to do for a will, They gave us all the info we needed right then there. Offered a really good price if we signed up to get one that day. A few weeks later after our appointment we have a Living trust. They were helpful with all our questions and were very thorough with these explaining the whole process. They stuck with the price that we paid + let us call anytime if we had any questions. Excellent, Highly recommend this company.
- Linda B. -
"So good to finally have a plan"
After worrying about our lack of estate planning for years, it feels so good to finally have a plan in place. Thank you for making the process relativity painless and offering the educational support we needed.
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"5 Stars"
Me and my appreciate Mr. Crosby we think that he was very professional in doing his job and we give him 5 stars when it come to him doing his Job.- James A. -
"Overall experience was seamless"
We recently had the opportunity to attend a workshop hosted by Crain & Wooley regarding wills and estate planning. Based on the information provided we decided to proceed with our estate planning with Justin and his team. The overall experience was seamless and the process was clearly communicated. We had our homework and once that was completed, several iterations later we had our final walk-through and signed estate plan. We would recommend Justin to our family and friends.
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