Having an advance directive in place gives you control over medical care, reduces uncertainty for loved ones, and helps prevent unwanted interventions in crisis moments, especially when family disagreements arise. This planning provides peace of mind and a clear path for medical teams in stressful times.
A comprehensive plan reduces ambiguity, ensuring clinicians understand your choices, even when you cannot communicate, which can lead to more timely and appropriate care decisions.
Our firm combines experience in estate planning with a thoughtful, client-centered approach. We take time to listen, tailor documents to your needs, and explain your options in plain language so you can make informed decisions.
Post-signature steps include distributing copies to hospitals, primary care physicians, and your designated agent, and updating plans as life circumstances change.
An advance directive is a formal document that captures your preferences for medical care. It helps clinicians follow your wishes when you cannot communicate and provides guidance to family members during challenging moments. Creating one early reduces confusion and ensures your autonomy is respected.
Choosing a healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney should involve someone you trust who understands your values and can make decisions under pressure. Consider their location, ability to handle family dynamics, and willingness to advocate for your goals in alignment with your directives.
Living wills address common life-sustaining scenarios and guide decisions when prognosis is uncertain. In emergencies, directives remain in effect if you cannot communicate, and they should be consistent with your overall care plan and any applicable state laws.
Directives should be reviewed whenever there is a major change in health, a new diagnosis, or shifts in personal wishes. Regular updates ensure accuracy, reflect current medical options, and prevent outdated instructions from guiding critical decisions.
Bring personal identification, a list of medications, existing medical conditions, and any prior directives or power of attorney documents. We also recommend notes on your values, goals for quality of life, and the names of your trusted agents.
Most directives are recognized across state lines, but specific forms and requirements can vary. If you travel frequently, we can tailor documents to be portable and provide guidance on temporary out-of-state considerations.
Store originals in a safe place and provide electronic copies to your physician and agents. Share copies with healthcare facilities, your attorney, and family members, and consider providing a master list of where documents are stored.
Fees vary by complexity and document types. We provide a transparent quote after an initial assessment and offer bundled services for comprehensive planning. Ongoing updates may incur modest annual review costs.
If conflicts arise, we facilitate conversations among family members and healthcare providers. Your directives remain authoritative, but we may work with you to reconcile differences or update documents to reflect consensus and current legal standards.
The timeline depends on your readiness and document complexity. A basic directive can be prepared in a few days, while a comprehensive plan with multiple instruments may take several weeks to finalize after thorough review.
