As people grow older, they should consider making wills. This can be beneficial if they were to pass unexpectedly. When individuals have started families and have important relationships in their lives, they may wish to create a healthcare directive to ensure that they have provided information regarding decisions that they have previously considered. By preparing for your future, you can make it easier on your loved ones. They will not have to make decisions for you without knowing how you would have wanted the situation handled. Instead, you can prepare them with directions.
Advanced healthcare directives give individuals the ability to plan their medical care in advance. They can prepare for situations that may be unforeseen. If they ever were to become incapacitated and unable to make medical decisions for themselves, they can include their wishes in their directive. With this information, doctors and medical professionals can treat patients according to their wishes.
How can a living will be useful?
By creating a living will, you may be able to plan for medical decisions. This can include your stance on life support and other medical practices. If you wish to receive life support in situations when it is deemed necessary, you can write that in your living will to inform doctors. If you are unable to make choices at a time when your health is in danger, this document can provide the information that doctors need. Through this document, it can protect your rights and wishes when you are incapacitated. Doctors will make sure to follow this or else they may face legal action.
Can I appoint a power of attorney?
A power of attorney can be someone that makes decisions for you about your wishes that are stated in your directive and living will. These individuals can be granted as much power as you wish to give them. You can make them your durable healthcare power of attorney to have someone make decisions for you when you are unable to do so. This can only give them control over medical decisions when you cannot make them for yourself. They should act according to the wishes you have stated in your healthcare directive and living will. By following these orders, your power of attorney can know that they are making the right decision for you. These individuals hold a lot of responsibility. Since they have this much power, you should make sure to appoint someone that you know well and trust.
The attorneys at JD Katz have years of experience compassionately guiding clients in Maryland through the estate planning and administration process. Our firm also has experience with matters of elder law, business law, tax law, and litigation. For a legal team that will put your needs first, contact JD Katz today.
