ADVANCE DIRECTIVES

Advance Directives allow an individual to specify how he or she would like to be treated in certain medical situations and also allows for the designation of an individual to make medical decisions on his or her behalf.

Advance Directives are usually comprised of two parts: 

1. A Living Will is a document which specifies what kind of medical care a person wants in the event of terminal illness and/or incapacity to communicate one’s wishes.  Generally, the main aspect of a Living Will is to specify and give instructions to health care providers as to the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures.  You can designate in the Living Will how the diagnosis must be made before applying your wishes stated in the Living Will.  For example, your Living Will may require a committee of three physicians to agree on the diagnosis before your stated wishes may be implemented.  A Living Will can also spell out the kinds of treatment a person does want or does not want in any circumstances. Any competent adult can make a Living Will.

2. A Durable Medical Power of Attorney allows you to appoint an agent to make your medical decision s for you if you are incapable of making them for yourself. You can give your agent instructions as to what type of medical care you want or do not want, including the authority to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining procedures, if you so desire. 

If you have not planned ahead, the decision-making power passes to a family member or relative, sometimes a close friend, the attending doctor, or a court-appointed guardian.   We recommend Advance Directives be completed as part of every estate plan.

• Wills
• Trusts
• Durable Power of Attorney
• Advance Directives
• Probate Administration
• Probate Litigation

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Call our office at 770-609-1247 and make an appointment for a CONSULTATION with one of our attorneys.  Of course, if you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to call.

We hope you find this information helpful.  Please contact our office if you have any questions.