Experienced Health Care Surrogate Attorney in Florida

Health Care Surrogate

Making important medical decisions for yourself is something most people take for granted. But what happens if an accident, serious illness, or cognitive decline leaves you unable to make those decisions? Without a Health Care Surrogate, your family may face delays, confusion, and even legal battles over your medical care.

At Elderly Care Law Firm, we help Florida residents legally designate a Health Care Surrogate to ensure their medical decisions are made by someone they trust.

What is a Health Care Surrogate in Florida?

A Health Care Surrogate is someone you legally appoint in advance to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to do so. This person, also known as a medical power of attorney, has the legal right to:

Speak with doctors and make treatment decisions.
Approve or refuse medical procedures.
Access your medical records.
Decide on long-term care options, such as hospice or nursing home care.
Make end-of-life decisions if necessary.

Unlike a Health Care Proxy, which is assigned by Florida law when no surrogate is named, a Health Care Surrogate is chosen by you ahead of time to ensure that the right person is making medical decisions on your behalf.

Why is a Health Care Surrogate Important?

If you become incapacitated and do not have a legally named Health Care Surrogate, Florida law will automatically assign a Health Care Proxy to make medical decisions for you. This could lead to:

Family disagreements about what care is best.
Delays in treatment if multiple family members cannot agree.
The wrong person making medical decisions if Florida’s legal order does not align with your wishes.
A hospital administrator or court making decisions instead of a loved one.

Having a Health Care Surrogate in place ensures that you, not the state, decide who speaks for you when it comes to your medical care.

Who Can Be a Health Care Surrogate in Florida?

You can choose any competent adult to serve as your Health Care Surrogate, including:

Your spouse or partner
An adult child
A sibling or close friend
A trusted legal or medical advisor

It’s important to select someone who:

Understands your medical preferences and will follow your wishes.
Can handle high-pressure decisions in emergencies.
Is available and willing to serve in this role.

You can also designate an alternate surrogate in case your first choice is unavailable.

Can a Health Care Surrogate Make Decisions While I Am Still Competent?

Yes, but only if you specify it in your legal document. Some people choose to give their surrogate immediate decision-making power, while others only allow their surrogate to act if they become incapacitated.

For example, if an elderly person is beginning to experience memory loss but can still make decisions, they may choose to allow their surrogate to assist with medical decisions immediately rather than waiting for full incapacity.

Can I Change or Remove a Health Care Surrogate?

Yes. As long as you are mentally competent, you can revoke or update your Health Care Surrogate designation at any time. If your relationship with your surrogate changes or you feel they may no longer be the best choice, you can legally assign someone else.

How Can an Attorney Help?

At Elderly Care Law Firm, we help individuals and families:

Legally appoint a Health Care Surrogate to avoid confusion and delays in medical care.
Ensure their medical wishes are followed, including end-of-life care.
Avoid family disputes by having clear legal documents in place.

If you want to choose who will make medical decisions for you, rather than leaving it up to state law, call Elderly Care Law Firm at (305) 564-6606 today for a consultation.

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Elderly Care Law Firm

14707 S. Dixie Highway, PH 401 Miami, FL 33176

Phone: (305) 564-6606

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Serving clients throughout South Florida, |including, Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, Monroe County, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Florida City, Homestead, Key Biscayne, Miami, Miami Beach, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Kendale Lakes, Naranja, Richmond Heights, South Miami Heights, West Kendall, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Lauderdale Lakes, Coral Springs, Lauderhill, Miramar, Pembroke Park, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Southwest Ranches, Sunrise, Weston, Key Largo, Key West, Marathon, Key Colony Beach, Islamorada, Tavernier, Big Pine Key, Duck Key, Conch Key, Long Key

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Sherrie Lim

Client Services Coordinator

Sherrie Ann Lim brings over twelve years of customer service experience and a strong background in team leadership and client support. Although she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy, her career path led her to the dynamic world of the contact center industry, where she discovered a deep passion for service, communication, and operational excellence.

Sherrie is known for her perseverance, enthusiasm, and confident sense of responsibility. She consistently delivers high-quality results, efficiently managing tasks while remaining flexible to the evolving needs of her clients. Her commitment to continuous improvement and excellence positions her as a trusted ally for businesses seeking proactive and reliable virtual support.

Drawing from her college background, Sherrie has a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional needs associated with aging, making her especially attuned to the importance of compassionate and informed care for the elderly. She recognizes that elder care isn’t just about physical support, it also involves emotional presence, patience, and clear communication. Her strong appreciation for family ties fuels her commitment to helping clients manage the intricacies of elder care with empathy and attentiveness, ensuring that elderly loved ones feel respected, safe, and truly cared for.

She loves taking care of her family during her rest days and free time, finding joy in the simple yet meaningful routines of home life. Whether it’s preparing home-cooked meals, baking sweet treats for her kids, or tackling household projects, Sherrie finds fulfillment in creating a nurturing and organized environment for her family. Whenever time and opportunity allow, she also enjoys traveling with her family, exploring new places, creating lasting memories, and embracing experiences that strengthen their bond and bring joy into their lives.

Fun Fact: Sherrie’s two kids were born on the exact same date—two years apart! 

May Cruz

Client Services Coordinator

May began her community service career with the Philippine Department of Health as a Computer Operator, providing vital technical support to healthcare workers across island provinces and helping to bridge technology gaps in remote medical settings. Her commitment to service extended beyond her official duties—she also volunteered in medical missions, assisting indigenous communities and contributing to the delivery of essential healthcare with empathy and cultural sensitivity.

Continuing her dedication to public service, May later worked at a law firm as a Disability Service Coordinator, assisting military veterans in navigating disability services. She brought empathy, compassion, and heart to the role, ensuring that each veteran felt heard, respected, and supported throughout the process.

With a unique blend of technical expertise and human-centered care, May remains deeply committed to using her skills to uplift underserved and vulnerable communities.

Fun Fact: Despite not knowing how to swim, May is a certified open water diver. Her adventurous spirit and determination push her beyond her comfort zone—both in life and under the sea.

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Health Care Surrogate