What Is a Health Care Proxy in New York and Why You Need One
As a lawyer practicing in Queens, New York, I’ve had countless conversations with clients who assumed a health care proxy was something only seniors or seriously ill people needed. That assumption is one of the most common — and most dangerous — misunderstandings in estate and health care planning. The truth is simple: every adult in New York should have a health care proxy , regardless of age, marital status, or current health. Accidents, sudden illness, and unexpected medical emergencies do not follow a schedule. When they happen, the absence of a health care proxy can leave your loved ones powerless and your medical wishes uncertain. This article explains what a health care proxy is under New York law, how it works, what happens if you don’t have one, and why having one is one of the most important legal steps you can take to protect yourself and your family . What Is a Health Care Proxy in New York? A Health Care Proxy is a legal document under New York law that allows you to ...