| If you have children or dependents that rely | | | | When you've designated a decision-maker, he |
| on you for personal or financial care then | | | | she may be called upon to make critical |
| you need to file a power of attorney. If you | | | | decisions such as questions about life |
| were to become seriously injured or ill then | | | | support, ventilators, feeding tubes, and |
| your power of attorney will carry out your | | | | other treatments and diagnostic procedures. |
| wishes even though you may not be able to | | | | Most people choose someone who they can trust |
| communicate those wishes yourself. It will | | | | to make like-minded, right decisions. |
| save your loved ones from trying to make | | | | |
| critical medical decisions, or try to | | | | In a power of attorney you can also designate |
| maintain your estate themselves for you. | | | | someone to handle your finances if you're |
| | | | ever unable to manage them on your own. You |
| New Jersey, like anywhere else in the U.S., | | | | don't have to be seriously injured to have |
| recognizes a power of attorney as a legal | | | | your designated person start doing things for |
| document that will allow you to appoint some | | | | you such as business transactions, paying |
| one to carry out your wishes in a certain | | | | your bills for you, and other financial work |
| event or situation. A power of attorney is | | | | you want someone to do in your name. |
| much like a living will, except a living will | | | | Sometimes someone with Alzheimer will |
| can't appoint some one to make decisions for | | | | designate one of their children to help pay |
| you; only the decisions on your living will | | | | their bills on time in case they forget |
| can be carried out. If you have a wife or | | | | themselves to do so. |
| husband you could designate him/her as your | | | | |
| power of attorney, or if you're a grandma or | | | | A power of attorney will help prepare you and |
| grandpa you may designate your son, it's | | | | your family in case of an emergency. Do |
| completely up to you. | | | | yourself a favor and look into filing one for |
| | | | yourself. |