Empowering People To Plan For Future Healthcare Decisions
Experienced Collierville attorney helps clients draft medical healthcare directives
The Collierville Law Firm has helped individuals and families throughout the greater Memphis area, and West Tennessee develop sound estate planning strategies since 1996. Attorney William L. Hagan III, offers personalized counsel to individuals who want to maintain control over their medical treatment and spare their family from having to make difficult decisions. We offer free consultations regarding medical healthcare directives and work closely with every client to create documents that reflect their wishes.
What is a medical healthcare directive?
A medical healthcare directive is a key element in a comprehensive estate plan. It allows you to state your healthcare preferences if you become unable to communicate your decisions. Moreover, you can name someone you trust to make medical choices on your behalf when necessary.
This document gives healthcare providers clear instructions regarding your preferences. It can address important medical matters, such as end-of-life decisions and acceptable treatments during dire situations. As you are planning for the future, you should not overlook the need for a medical healthcare directive, because it protects your freedom of choice even when you cannot speak for yourself.
How does a medical healthcare directive differ from a power of attorney?
A healthcare directive is a set of written instructions regarding your preferences when it comes to medical care and end-of-life measures. A medical power of attorney, in comparison, gives someone you trust the right to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Other powers of attorney are used to grant authority over other matters, such as financial issues.
Many people use both documents to create a more secure future for themselves. While a healthcare directive gives you the ability to directly address things like artificial ventilation and pain medication, a healthcare power of attorney can be used to address unforeseen events or questions that may not be anticipated.
What should I look for when deciding on a proxy?
Choosing the right person is one of the most important parts of preparing a medical healthcare directive. The person you appoint should understand your values and be willing to follow your instructions, even during emotionally difficult situations. They should also be comfortable communicating with doctors and family members when medical decisions become necessary.
Before making your selection, consider whether the person:
- Can remain calm during stressful situations
- Will respect your wishes rather than making decisions based on their priorities
It is also helpful to discuss your expectations with that person before signing the document. Our lawyers can help you understand the responsibilities involved and make sure your chosen representative is properly identified within your directive.
Can I revise or revoke a medical healthcare directive at any time?
Yes. In most situations, Tennessee law allows you to revise or revoke your medical healthcare directive as long as you have the legal capacity to do so.
Your marital status, health conditions or changes in personal relationships may affect your healthcare preferences or your choice of decision-maker. When updating your directive, you should:
- Prepare a new document that clearly reflects your current wishes
- Notify your healthcare providers and provide updated copies to the people involved
Destroying outdated versions and informing your representative about the change helps reduce confusion if the document is needed in the future. Our lawyer can prepare updated documents that accurately reflect your current intentions.
How do I set up a medical healthcare directive?
Creating a medical healthcare directive begins with identifying your preferences and selecting someone you trust to act on your behalf. The document must then be prepared and executed according to Tennessee legal requirements.
Working with an attorney is important because it helps ensure the directive clearly expresses your wishes and fits with the rest of your comprehensive estate plan. Your lawyer can also answer questions about related documents that could fortify your future arrangements.
Contact a knowledgeable Tennessee lawyer about your future plans
The Collierville Law Firm advises clients from Germantown, Memphis and other part of West Tennessee on medical healthcare directives and other estate planning concerns. For a free consultation, please call 901-614-0318 or contact us online.