Advance Directives
Advance directives are essential legal documents that outline your healthcare preferences in case you are unable to communicate your decisions due to illness or incapacity. At West and West LLP, we are dedicated to helping you prepare comprehensive and legally binding advance directives to ensure your medical and end-of-life wishes are respected. Our experienced attorneys provide compassionate guidance through every step of the process.
Why Choose West and West LLP for Your Advance Directives?
- Experienced Estate Planning Attorneys: Our team has extensive experience in preparing advance directives, ensuring your healthcare preferences are clearly articulated and legally sound.
- Personalized Service: We take the time to understand your specific needs and goals, providing customized solutions that reflect your values and wishes.
- Peace of Mind: We ensure that every detail is meticulously handled, giving you confidence that your healthcare decisions will be honored.
What Are Advance Directives?
Advance directives encompass several important legal documents that guide your healthcare decisions when you are unable to do so yourself. These documents include:
- Living Will: A living will specifies the types of medical treatment you do or do not want if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious. It can address issues such as resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, and more.
- Healthcare Proxy: Also known as a medical power of attorney, this document appoints someone you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. The designated person will be responsible for ensuring your medical preferences are followed.
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: A DNR order instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR if your heart stops or if you stop breathing. This order can be included in your advance directives or issued separately by your physician.
Importance of Advance Directives
Advance directives provide several critical benefits:
- Ensure Your Wishes Are Respected: Clearly outline your healthcare preferences to ensure they are honored by medical professionals and loved ones.
- Reduce Family Stress: Provide clear guidance to your family, reducing the emotional burden and potential conflicts during difficult times.
- Control Over Medical Decisions: Maintain control over your medical treatment even when you are unable to communicate your decisions.
- Legal Protection: Ensure your healthcare choices are legally documented and recognized by medical institutions.
Our Process
- Initial Consultation: We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your healthcare preferences, values, and specific wishes.
- Drafting the Documents: Based on the information gathered, we draft comprehensive advance directives, including a living will, healthcare proxy, and any other necessary documents.
- Review and Approval: We review the documents with you, making any necessary adjustments to ensure they accurately reflect your intentions.
- Execution of the Documents: We guide you through the formal signing and witnessing process to ensure your advance directives are legally binding.
- Ongoing Support: Life changes, and so might your healthcare wishes. We offer ongoing support to update your advance directives as needed, ensuring they remain current and relevant.
Common Questions About Advance Directives
- Can I change my advance directives? Yes, you can update or revoke your advance directives at any time to reflect changes in your circumstances or wishes.
- Do I need a lawyer to prepare advance directives? While you can prepare advance directives on your own, working with an experienced attorney ensures that your documents are legally sound and comprehensive.
Who should I choose as my healthcare proxy? Select someone you trust who understands your values and wishes and is willing to make difficult decisions on your behalf
Contact Us
Ensure your healthcare wishes are respected and your loved ones are guided with clarity. Contact West and West LLP today to schedule your consultation and begin the process of creating your advance directives. Reach us at (713) 222-9378 or west@westandwest.com, or visit our office at 3818 Fox Meadow Lane Pasadena.
