Our Boca Raton estate planning attorneys help you create advance directives, which convey your wishes regarding emergency treatment and end of life care in the event you are unable to communicate these on your own.
As experienced Boca Raton estate planning attorneys, our goal at Ged Lawyers, LLP is to ensure you and your loved ones are protected in the face of unexpected situations. We provide the trusted legal guidance you need in creating estate planning documents, which address important personal and financial matters in the event of your death. We also work to protect you in emergency situations and to deal with end of life issues that may arise. This includes helping you put advance directives in place. These play a vital role both in communicating your wishes to family members and any medical personnel you encounter.
Advance Planning Documents You Should Have in Place
Unexpected situations happen. A sudden accident, illness, or a chronic medical issue can all prompt the need for immediate, emergency medical care. Unfortunately, as a result of your condition, you may be incapacitated. This can leave you unable to communicate with doctors and loved ones regarding the type or level of treatment you want.
In these situations, advance directives help to ensure you and those you love are protected. At Ged Lawyers, LLP, our Boca Raton injury lawyers provide the trusted legal guidance you need when putting advance directives in place. Under Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) guidelines, these should include:
- Health Care Surrogate: Otherwise known as a health care power of attorney (POA), this authorizes someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf. This includes selecting which hospitals you receive care at, decisions regarding nursing homes or other assisted living facilities, medical treatments, and psychiatric care.
- Living Will: This document coveys your wishes to others regarding end-of-life care. It addresses whether you want to be kept on life support in the event of a terminal illness or if you are in a persistent unresponsive state. It also provides important guidance for medical providers regarding the use of feeding tubes, hydration, and pain medication in dire situations.
- Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Order: This is a legal document instructing doctors to not perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other types of advanced lifesaving treatments in the event you stop breathing or your heart stops beating. It is often used to ensure a more natural death.
Under the Florida Statutes, your spouse, children, or parents do have the legal authority to make these decisions on your behalf if advance planning documents are not in place. However, having a living will, health surrogate, and a DNR order prevents them from being put in the difficult position of having to guess what you would have wanted. It can also allow other important people in your life to be included in this process.
Our Boca Raton Estate Planning Attorneys are Here to Assist You
At Ged Lawyers, LLP, we can guide you in putting advance directives and other important estate planning documents in place. Call or contact our Boca Raton estate planning attorneys online and request a consultation today.
