A health care surrogate allows someone you trust to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to communicate your wishes. At Filler & Hedum Family Law Firm, Kelly Hedum and Sam Filler help you put clear, legally valid plans in place, so your family has guidance when it matters most. We provide honest advice and personal attention every step of the way.
Health Care Surrogate in Florida:
What You Need to Know
A health care surrogate designation allows you to legally appoint a trusted person to make health care decisions on your behalf if you become unable to communicate or make informed decisions. In Florida, your surrogate may be authorized to speak with doctors, review medical records protected by HIPAA, consent to or refuse treatment, choose health care providers, and make decisions about long-term care, rehabilitation, or nursing home placement.
Many people create a health care surrogate designation alongside other estate planning documents to ensure their wishes are clearly documented. Without one, family members may disagree about your care or face delays when making important medical decisions. By naming a surrogate and discussing your preferences in advance, you can provide clear guidance, reduce uncertainty, and help ensure your medical choices are respected when they matter most.
Possible Reasons for a Health Care Surrogate:
- Preparing for an unexpected illness, injury, or medical emergency
- Authorizing a trusted person to make health care decisions on your behalf
- Ensuring your medical treatment preferences are respected
- Allowing someone to communicate with doctors and access medical records
- Avoiding family disagreements during a health crisis
- Preventing delays in important treatment decisions
- Planning ahead for surgery, long-term care, or age-related health concerns
- Providing clear guidance during end-of-life care situations
- Protecting your interests when family members are unavailable
How We Help With Health Care Surrogate Plans in Oviedo
When you work with Filler & Hedum, Kelly and Sam take the time to understand your family dynamics, health care concerns, and personal wishes before preparing your health care surrogate designation. We help you choose the right surrogate, explain the scope of their authority, and ensure your document complies with Florida law. We also coordinate your health care surrogate with your other estate planning documents so everything works together clearly.
FAQs
Who Should I Choose as My Health Care Surrogate?
You should choose someone you trust to make medical decisions consistent with your wishes. This person should be dependable, able to communicate with medical providers, and willing to advocate for you during difficult situations. We often encourage clients to have conversations with their chosen surrogate, so everyone understands expectations ahead of time.
Can I Name an Alternate Health Care Surrogate?
Yes. Florida law allows you to name an alternate surrogate who can step in if your primary surrogate is unavailable, unwilling to serve, or unable to act. We generally recommend naming a backup to avoid uncertainty if an emergency arises.
Does My Health Care Surrogate Have Authority Immediately?
It depends on how the document is drafted. Many Florida health care surrogate designations become effective only when your physician determines that you lack the capacity to make your own medical decisions. However, some designations can grant authority immediately. We can help you decide which approach best fits your goals.
Do I Still Need a Health Care Surrogate if I Am Married?
Yes. While spouses often play a significant role in medical decision-making, a health care surrogate designation provides clear legal authority. It can also be especially helpful if family members disagree or if your spouse is unavailable during a medical emergency.
Filler & Hedum:
There When You Need ‘Em!
When it comes to planning for the unexpected, we believe clear guidance today can prevent confusion tomorrow. At Filler & Hedum, you work directly with Kelly Hedum and Sam Filler: not a case manager or call center. As attorneys who have spent decades serving Seminole County families, we take the time to understand your wishes and prepare documents that fit your life. Contact us today for a free case evaluation for your health care surrogate plan.
