The Purpose Of Advance Directive Planning
At Law Office of Harvey L. Cox, we are dedicated to helping clients protect their families and assets. We understand that planning for the future can be stressful and overwhelming, so we are here to guide you through the process.
We value education and strive to ensure that our clients have reasonable outcome expectations. We take the time to thoroughly explain the process and help our clients understand what to expect. This level of transparency is essential in building trust and a solid attorney-client relationship.
What Are Advance Directives?
Advance directives, or medical directives, are legal documents that allow individuals to express their wishes for medical treatment if they cannot make decisions for themselves. There are two main types of advance directives: a living will and a medical power of attorney.
A living will, also known as a directive to physicians, outlines the specific medical treatments that a person does or does not want to receive in the event of a terminal illness or end-of-life situation. This can include decisions about life support, artificial nutrition and hydration, and other medical interventions.
A medical power of attorney, also known as a health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care, allows an individual to appoint a trusted person (called an “agent”) to make medical decisions on their behalf if they cannot do so. This person will ensure that the individual’s wishes are followed as stated in the advance directive.
Why Create An Advance Directive?
There are several benefits to creating an advance directive or medical directive:
- Peace of mind: Knowing that your wishes will be respected and followed in a medical emergency can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
- Clear communication: An advance directive allows you to communicate your wishes for medical treatment, eliminating any guesswork for your loved ones and health care providers.
- Prevent conflict: Without an advance directive in place, family members may disagree on your care’s best course of action. Creating an advance directive can help avoid conflicts and protects your wishes.
- Protect your rights: An advance directive ensures that your rights as a patient are respected and that you receive medical care that aligns with your values and beliefs.
Creating an advance directive is a relatively straightforward process, but it is important to seek the guidance of an experienced advance directive attorney. At the Law Office of Harvey L. Cox, we can help you navigate the process and ensure that your advance directive is legally binding.
To Create An Advance Directive, Follow These Steps:
- Choose an agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
- Decide on your medical treatment preferences.
- Complete the necessary legal documents with the help of a medical directive attorney.
- Have the documents witnessed or notarized as required by your state.
- Share copies with your loved ones and health care providers.
We Can Help You
Creating an advance directive can provide peace of mind and protect your rights as a patient. If you are interested in creating an advance directive or have questions about the process, we are here to help. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation at our office in Waco or Round Rock, or call us at 866-799-2124.