Legally ensure your family can make health decisions for you

Did you know your spouse, adult children, or next of kin don’t automatically have the right to make health care decisions for you? It’s a shocking truth that surprises many Wisconsin families: If you become seriously ill or injured and can’t speak for yourself, your loved ones might have no legal authority to make medical decisions on your behalf without proper documentation.
Through April 25, 2025, the State Bar of Wisconsin is offering their guide, “A Gift to Your Family: Planning Ahead for Future Health Needs,” as a free PDF download at wisbar.org/healthcare.
“Without a Power of Attorney for Health Care, your family can be forced into costly and time-consuming guardianship procedures just to gain control over a loved one’s medical care,” said Jon Fischer, an elder law attorney with McCarty Law.
Ben Adams, a retired attorney, said, “The court process can be avoided in most cases if you do advance care planning.”
The 24-page downloadable guide includes practical information about powers of attorney, living wills, and organ donation, along with state-approved forms that make documenting your wishes straightforward. The State Bar offers this resource annually during Healthcare Decisions Week (April 14-20, 2025).
Don’t wait for a crisis to have this important conversation. Download the free guide today at wisbar.org/healthcare and take action to give you and your family peace of mind, knowing your healthcare wishes will be respected and decisions will be made by those you designate.