In the realm of estate planning, you can achieve peace of mind from knowing others will respect your healthcare wishes even if you become incapacitated. This assurance comes through advanced directives. You might wonder if you need these legal tools as part of your estate plan.
Advanced directives are legal documents that spell out your decisions about end-of-life care. In California, they carry significant weight and can help initiate your desires concerning medical treatment, even when you cannot communicate them yourself.
What they include
In California, advanced directives include a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care. A living will describes the types of medical treatment you would want, or not want if you become terminally ill, permanently unconscious or in a vegetative state. It may cover situations like whether you want life-support treatments, such as a ventilator or feeding tubes.
A durable power of attorney for health care, on the other hand, lets you appoint someone, referred to as your health care agent, to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so. Your agent can ensure doctors and other health care providers carry out your wishes as you specified in your living will.
Why you need them
Having advanced directives in your estate plan reduces the uncertainty and potential conflicts about your medical care should you become incapacitated. Without them, your loved ones might have to make tough decisions about your care without knowing your preferences. This scenario can lead to family disagreements and additional stress during an already challenging time.
Moreover, the absence of advanced directives can lead to unwanted medical treatments or life-prolonging measures that you may not want. By clearly documenting your wishes through these directives, you can prevent such situations and ensure that your medical care aligns with your values and preferences.
Advanced directives provide clarity about your medical care preferences, protect your rights and offer peace of mind to you and your loved ones. When you plan your estate, do not overlook the critical role of advanced directives. You should carefully consider your wishes and communicate them effectively through these legal documents to ensure that your healthcare decisions remain in your hands.
