Understanding The Value Of Health Care Directives

Estate planning involves not only outlining a legacy to leave behind, but also preparing for the possibility of incapacity during your lifetime. An advance directive (also called an advance health care directive) and living will are important tools for addressing incapacity. They give you the ability to make decisions regarding your health care and end-of-life wishes while you still have the legal capacity to do so.

Through carefully drafted documents, you can accomplish several important goals:

• You can appoint a health care representative to make decisions on your behalf in the event that you become incapacitated.
• You can document your health care preferences and instructions regarding resuscitation, artificial life support and other life-prolonging treatments.
• You can express your wishes regarding organ donations and anatomical gifts.

There are several benefits to establishing a living will and health care directive. You can spare your loved ones the difficulty of guessing about your wishes. You can also avoid the complex and lengthy conservatorship litigation that could result in the event of a dispute. However, these benefits will only be realized if you make careful choices and comply with the statutory requirements for creating legally effective documents. Consulting with a knowledgeable lawyer is an essential first step in the process.

Giving Clients Peace Of Mind Since 1933

At Berchem Moses PC, our attorneys provide clients with comprehensive guidance on how to best prepare for the contingencies and uncertainties of the future. Our estate planning practicehas provided trusted guidance for individuals, families and business owners since 1933. We provide integrated legal services to address the unique needs of every client. Invariably, our clients appreciate the peace of mind that comes with exploring their options and making informed decisions about the future.

We invite you to take the first step toward implementing a health care directive, a living will and other estate planning tools tailored to fit your situation. Call 203-783-1200 to arrange a free initial consultation. We have convenient offices in Milford and Westport, Connecticut.