Healthcare Directives
Securing Your Medical Decisions
Healthcare directives are essential for ensuring that your medical and personal choices are honored if you become unable to make decisions due to a serious illness or accident. At Kitroser Lewis & Mighdoll, we recognize the importance of protecting your health and preferences during uncertain times. These directives, which include living wills and healthcare surrogate designations, allow you to maintain control over critical medical decisions even when you are incapacitated.
What Are Healthcare Directives?
Healthcare directives are legal documents that communicate your medical preferences in situations where you cannot express your wishes yourself. They can cover various medical decisions, from life-sustaining treatments to end-of-life care preferences. By establishing healthcare directives, you ensure that your wishes are respected, reducing stress and confusion for your loved ones during challenging moments.
Living Wills
A living will is a specific type of healthcare directive that outlines your preferences for medical treatment in cases of terminal illness, end-stage conditions, or persistent vegetative states. Under Florida law, a living will allows you to specify whether you wish to receive or decline life-sustaining treatments, such as resuscitation or artificial nutrition and hydration.
Without a living will, your loved ones may face difficult decisions regarding your care, which can lead to conflict or uncertainty. By creating a living will, you provide clear instructions on how you want to be treated in critical situations, guiding your family and healthcare providers.
Healthcare Surrogate Designation
A healthcare surrogate designation is another vital component of a comprehensive healthcare directive. In this document, you appoint a trusted individual—your healthcare surrogate—to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This person acts as your advocate, communicating with healthcare providers and ensuring your treatment preferences are honored.
In Florida, a healthcare surrogate has the legal authority to access your medical records, consult with doctors, and make decisions regarding your care, including surgeries and medications. It’s essential to choose someone you trust implicitly, as they will make decisions that reflect your values and wishes.
The Importance of a Power of Attorney
While healthcare directives focus on medical needs, having a power of attorney (POA) in place is crucial for managing other aspects of your life during incapacity. A durable power of attorney grants a designated person the authority to handle financial matters, legal affairs, and personal issues on your behalf.
This can include paying bills, managing investments, and making property decisions. Without a power of attorney, your loved ones may face a lengthy court process to gain authority over your affairs. Establishing a POA ensures that someone you trust is in charge of your finances and personal matters if you become incapacitated.
Why You Need Both Documents
Healthcare directives and a power of attorney serve distinct but complementary functions. Together, they create a comprehensive plan that ensures your wishes are followed in both medical and non-medical matters. Without these documents, decisions about your health and finances may fall to courts or individuals unfamiliar with your preferences, potentially leading to outcomes that do not align with your values.
At Kitroser Lewis & Mighdoll, we guide you in creating healthcare directives and powers of attorney tailored to your needs. By taking these proactive steps, you protect yourself, your loved ones, and your future.
Contact Us for Assistance with Healthcare Directives
If you are ready to secure your medical and personal decisions through healthcare directives and powers of attorney, contact Kitroser Lewis & Mighdoll today. Our experienced estate planning attorneys can help you craft a comprehensive plan that ensures your wishes are honored in any situation. Call us at 561-721-0600 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward peace of mind.