Long Beach Advanced Healthcare Directives Lawyers Helping Clients Create a Written Record of Their Healthcare Preferences

To record your preferences for how you want to be treated and to provide guidance for your family when they need to make choices on your behalf, there are specific essential papers that you may utilize. Regardless of your health, our lawyers will explain the purpose of an advanced healthcare directive and why you should consider obtaining one.

What Paperwork Makes Up a California Advanced Healthcare Directive?

The purpose of an advanced healthcare directive is to inform and direct your family and treating physicians about your preferences for treatment if you are unconscious or mentally unable to speak for yourself and make decisions. It comprises documents like a living will and a power of attorney.

Your living will provide detailed instructions on your chosen medical professionals, hospitals, and any cultural or religious convictions that can influence the course of your care. You might also include instructions for providing end-of-life care and life support. Moreover, you can choose someone you trust as your agent and allow them to consult with doctors and make treatment decisions on your behalf using the power of a attorney.

Do Advanced Healthcare Directives Include a last will?

Although a final will is essential to estate preparation, it only addresses issues arising after your death. An advanced healthcare directive outlines your wishes for medical treatment if you become disabled but are still alive. While your will cannot simply be modified after you pass away – only during your lifetime – your advanced healthcare directive paperwork can be designed to be valid only while you are incapacitated and become inactive if you fully recover.

Many individuals include funeral instructions in their last will, but in some circumstances, their family does not see the will until weeks after the funeral; thus, the desires are not always followed. Because of this, stating your funeral wishes in your advanced healthcare directive may be a better option.

Should I still get an advanced healthcare directive if I’m not ill?

Everyone desire to live a long, healthy life, watch their children develop, and have pleasure in their later years. Nobody likes to consider a scenario in which they could become unable or have deteriorating health, but by making the appropriate preparations, you can have more peace of mind and one less thing to worry about, knowing that your family will be prepared in the event of a healthcare emergency. Hence, everyone should consider having an effective advanced healthcare directive and fundamental estate planning papers like a final will, regardless of age, financial situation, or state of health.

Is Legal Counsel Required While Writing an Advanced Healthcare Directive?

Hiring an attorney to draught your advanced healthcare directive documentation is unnecessary, although doing so can be in your best interest. In contrast, you may find generic advanced healthcare directive forms and templates everywhere; only a lawyer can ensure that your directives are legally binding and will function as you wish. This procedure can occasionally be emotionally challenging for specific clients, in which case your attorney can assist you by highlighting problems and asking you questions you would not have thought to ask.

Our attorneys at Barilari & Williams, LLC are prepared to help you at every stage because we have a thorough awareness of all the factors involved in drafting or revising your advanced healthcare directive documentation. To begin, call our Long Beach location at 888-EST-PLAN and ask for an introductory consultation. We are eager to assist you!