Attorney For Advance Medical Directives
An advance medical directive lets you state your health care wishes before a medical crisis occurs. This legal document guides your doctors and family when you cannot speak for yourself.
At the Law Office of Elizabeth Forgotson Goldberg, I have over 30 years of experience guiding Maryland and D.C. families through their estate planning and elder law concerns. While it can seem daunting, the right advocate can make all the difference in your legal journey.
What Is An Advance Medical Directive?
This document, also called an advance health care directive or living will, lists your end-of-life care wishes and treatment preferences. This document serves two main purposes:
- It names a health care agent (your health care proxy) who can make medical decisions for you
- It includes a living will that states your specific treatment preferences
Your directive addresses life support decisions, do not resuscitate preferences and other critical health care choices. Maryland and Washington, D.C., have specific state requirements for how you must sign and witness these documents. Working with a health care proxy lawyer can help ensure your directive meets all legal standards.
Critical Decisions Your Advance Medical Directive Can Address
An advance medical directive can cover a variety of serious medical situations. Examples include:
- Cancer treatment
- Dialysis
- Life support
- Resuscitation
- Palliative care choices
- Feeding tubes and hydration
These decisions involve capacity and consent. Your advance medical directive only takes effect when you cannot make or communicate decisions yourself.
How Do I Choose And Authorize A Health Care Agent Under An Advance Directive?
Your health care agent makes medical decisions when you cannot. Choose someone who knows your values and can handle tough choices under pressure. A health care proxy lawyer can guide you through this selection.
Pick someone who lives nearby, understands your values and can advocate for your wishes with medical staff. You should discuss your treatment preferences with this person before a crisis. You authorize your health care agent by naming them in your advance medical directive and signing the document according to your state’s requirements.
How Often Should I Review My Directive?
Review your advance medical directive every few years or after major life changes like a new diagnosis, divorce or the death of your named agent. Your treatment preferences may also shift over time.
Get Help From A Trusted Advocate
At the Law Office of Elizabeth Forgotson Goldberg, I help clients with their health care wishes through legally valid living wills and advance medical directives. Call 240-641-0956 or use my contact form to set up a free consultation to discuss your needs.