It is essential to have an advance directive for healthcare so that survivors will know what kind of medical treatment should be provided to them. Also, an advance directive for healthcare only goes into effect if a patient is terminally ill or has lost their mental capacity to make decisions. Prospective clients need to understand how their access to medical care can be restricted by using an advance directive for healthcare.
Advance Directives Never Expire
Advance directives for healthcare do not come with expiration dates. As long as you do not amend or nullify the advance directive, then it will remain in effect and operable. You may want to create a new advance directive for healthcare, and if you do so, then the new advance directive for healthcare will assume effect upon its creation.
It is necessary to retain an estate planning attorney who can review your advance directive for healthcare with you every year. As long as you experience changes in life, you need to speak with an attorney about revising your estate plan on an annual basis. Reviewing your estate plan can make will contests and other forms of costly litigation less likely to occur.
Advance Directives for Healthcare Are Not Enforced at Accident Scenes
Advance directives for healthcare are observed once a patient is admitted to a hospital and examined by a physician. Emergency personnel responding to an accident scene will not enforce a patient’s advance directive for healthcare. It is necessary to speak to an estate planning attorney to ensure that when you form an advance directive for healthcare you clarify the provisions of the document. For example, you can determine the type of pain relief treatment you want to receive in the event that you lose the mental capacity to make personal decisions regarding your medical treatment.
The Benefits of Using an Advance Directive for Healthcare
The benefits of creating an advance directive for healthcare are innumerable. It is possible that you can speak to an attorney who does not specialize in estate planning law. However, if you form an advance directive for healthcare, then you should know the benefits that come with taking advantage of this estate planning tool.
First, you will not be subject to medical procedures of which you do not approve. Second, you will be able to determine when medical treatment will be withheld if you lose mental capacity. Also, an advance directive for healthcare gives you freedom regarding the end-of-life care you receive.
It is also important to ensure that your medical wishes are respected at the end of your life. You should not have to worry about how you will be treated by physicians and others in a medical setting.
Contact L. Jennings Law Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you need assistance with an advance directive for healthcare, then contact us today to learn more about the legal services we offer. Our attorneys can help you with all of your estate planning needs. It does not matter if you need a will, a trust, or a different testamentary document, our estate planning lawyers can help you achieve your goals.
