Land O’Lakes Advance Directive Lawyer
Creating a will is certainly a wise move in terms of estate planning in Florida, but many people do not realize the importance of documents that are just as essential during your lifetime. An advance directive is a document that enables you to plan ahead for incapacity, so you can receive essential medical care without a drawn-out court process. However, almost 1 in 5 respondents to a survey conducted by Caring.com indicate that they do not know what an advanced health care directive is.
If you are not familiar with the advance directives available under Florida law, you miss out on key opportunities to express your intentions for incapacity and end-of-life care. An advance directive can alleviate challenges and guide loved ones, so please contact The Law Office of Laurie R. Chane to discuss your objectives. You can set up a consultation with a Land O’Lakes advance directive lawyer who can provide specifics, but some general information may also be useful.
How Advance Directives Protect Your Interests
The best way to explain the benefits of advance directives is to describe what happens when you do NOT execute the appropriate documents. If you become incapacitated because of an injury or illness, you do not have the legal power to make decisions regarding your health care and medical treatment. Even where you have expressed your wishes to loved ones, they likewise do not have legal authority to act on your behalf.
Under the circumstances, your loved ones would have to go through guardianship proceedings. This process is a lawsuit in which an individual requests that the court appoint a guardian of the incapacitated person, known as the ward. Weeks could pass from filing the initial petition to obtaining appointment, but the process could take longer in a contested guardianship case. During this time, there is no one to make medical decisions for you. Once a guardian is appointed, that person may still not have any guidance on your intentions for health care.
Options for Advance Directives
The Law Office of Laurie R. Chane can consult with you on the details regarding three key types of advance directives under Florida law.
- Designation of Health Care Surrogate, in which you appoint an agent to make medical decisions according to intentions you state within the document;
- A living will the provides direction on life-prolonging medical procedures; and
- A Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) that informs medical personnel to not provide support if you suffer cardiac or pulmonary arrest.
Our Land O’Lakes advance directive lawyers can help with document preparation and signing, since notarization and witnesses are required to ensure validity.
Contact a Land O’Lakes Advance Directive Lawyer to Learn More
This overview emphasizes the importance of advance directives in a comprehensive estate plan, but there are details you should entrust to our team at The Law Office of Laurie R. Chane. To set up a consultation, please call 352-567-0055 or complete a contact form. Our attorneys assist clients throughout Pasco County with a wide range of estate planning issues, including advance directives.
