An advance healthcare directive, also known as a living will or medical directive, is a document that essentially tells medical providers how you wish to receive medical treatment if you are not able to communicate these wishes on your own. There are different ways in which you or a loved one can complete and execute an advance healthcare directive or “living will.” The reason why this document is often called a living will is because it is a document that may become effective while you are still alive, as opposed to a last will and testament which only becomes effective at the time of your passing.
Why is an Advance Healthcare Directive or “Living Will” Important?
You could be extremely healthy right now, but anything can happen at any given time, and if you become incapacitated for any reason, your loved ones and medical providers will not know what decisions you would make regarding medical treatment if you were able to speak on your own behalf.
A great number of New Jersey residents now have advance healthcare directives to protect themselves, removing any question of what decisions you would make on your own. As with any estate planning document, age should not be the only factor to consider, as incapacitation can happen at any age, regardless of how healthy you may be. An attorney can provide you with the guidance you need to make an informed decision about your future.
Contact Giro Elder Law Today to Speak with Our New Jersey Elder Law Attorneys
Many people have now chosen to use advance healthcare directives to ensure that their medical wishes are carried out should they become incapacitated or unable to voice their wishes. If you would like to learn more about advance healthcare directives or any other estate planning tool, contact Giro Elder Law today by calling (201) 690-1642 to discuss your or a loved one’s situation.
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