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Question: Do you have power of attorney or health care proxy of your disabled (special needs ) 18+ child ?

(Posted by: gsmom on 2010-03-02 01:37:12)

My son is going to be 18 .I have a few questions .He has multiple diagnoses . On some levels he is age appropriate but on life skills he is bordering 14/ 15.Now i don't want on his 18th birthday to declare him incompetent because he isn't. I don't want guardianship of an adult child . But he will NEED assist with legal documents college apps Doctors appointments medication management. so i am going to need documentation that i can sign his signature for him and make legal decisions for him and permission to speak to me now that he is an adult .So what steps did you take ? Did to get power of attorney and health care proxy ? did you need a Lawyer or advocate ? or is there another solution ? Thank you Okay to clarify He doesnt comprehend things he is sighning .Legaly after 18 providers and such CANT speek with me as he would be an adult .Yes he can take his own medications as he does but the decision making when he is asked by he providers are not clear to him.

Posted by: luvsit on 2010-03-02, 01:39:53

You can print out a simple POA and have him sign it & you sign it in front of a notary republic & have them notarize it. That is all my son did for me to have POA of his children when he is out of town. Check with your state offices to make sure, but that is all we had to do.

Posted by: jim on 2010-03-02, 01:57:28

I don't think you need to do anything. Lets take college apps as an example. Most parents help their children fill out college applications. And there shouldn't be any problems with him signing it. Same with doctor appointments and medication. You don't need a power of attorney just to remind him to take his meds. College Applications???? If he can get into college then he's capable of making his own decisions.