Se Habla Español
Book Consultation
984-265-7800
Book Consultation
984-265-7800
Book Consultation
984-265-7800
Book Consultation
984-265-7800
Understanding the importance of advance healthcare directives and living wills helps ensure patient autonomy, guides medical teams, and supports families during emotionally challenging decisions. These documents reduce uncertainty, align care with personal values, and can adapt as health circumstances change.
A well structured directive reduces ambiguity for physicians, proxies, and family members. It translates your values into actionable choices, enabling faster, more confident care decisions during critical moments.
Choosing our firm means engaging a team that listens, explains legal options in plain terms, and prepares documents with careful attention to detail. We coordinate with medical professionals and financial advisors to ensure your directives fit into your broader estate plan.
We set up reminders for regular updates or after major life events. Regular maintenance supports ongoing relevance and legal validity of your directives.
An advance directive is a legally binding document that records your medical treatment preferences and appoints someone to speak for you if you cannot. It may include specific instructions about life sustaining measures or palliative care, ensuring your values guide care and helping your loved ones and clinicians understand your wishes. You can revise the directive as circumstances change, and it remains in force until you choose to amend it.
A living will focuses on the treatments you want or do not want in particular medical circumstances. A durable power of attorney for health care designates an agent who can make broader medical decisions when you are unable to communicate. Together these documents support autonomy and smooth decision making when it matters most.
Selecting a health care proxy or agent should involve someone you trust to follow your values. Consider their ability to understand complex medical situations, their willingness to advocate on your behalf, and their proximity for practical involvement. It is common to name an alternate if the primary proxy is unavailable.
Directives can be amended at any time while you have the capacity. You should execute any updates with the same formalities as the original documents. Distribute new copies to your proxy, doctors, and your attorney to keep everyone aligned with your current wishes.
Most directives are respected across state lines, but requirements may vary. If you anticipate travel or relocation, it is wise to review the directive with a local attorney and update the document to ensure it meets the new state’s formalities and terminology.
A health care surrogate is a person legally empowered to make medical decisions when you cannot. The surrogate is typically named in your durable power of attorney for health care or an equivalent directive and is expected to act in accordance with your stated preferences and values.
Store originals in a safe location and provide copies to your proxy, physician, and attorney. Share digital versions if permitted, and confirm that hospitals or clinics can access the document in their records. Regular reviews keep distributions and contacts up to date.
Costs vary with complexity and regional practice. Basic directives may involve a flat fee for drafting and consultation, while comprehensive planning could include ongoing reviews. We provide transparent pricing and help you understand what is included and necessary for your situation.
Reviews should occur periodically, especially after major life events, changes in health, or updates in the law. Regular refreshes ensure your directives remain accurate, legally compliant, and aligned with your evolving values and preferences.
If a family member challenges your directives, consult with your attorney. We can reinforce the legal validity of your documents, address concerns, and, if needed, help facilitate discussions among family members to preserve your wishes and reduce conflict.
