In California, you can prepare your end of life wishes now by creating an advance health care directive, instead of leaving these important decisions to your family during already difficult times. A New York Times health blog by Tara Parker-Pope encourages people to plan for death when you’re healthy, since “the better and the further in advance you plan for that end, the less traumatic it’s likely to be, not just for you but for those you leave behind.”
With an advance health care directive, you’ll name someone to make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to, and name a backup. You’ll also detail your quality of life preferences by explaining what treatments you will or won’t want, stating preferences on resuscitation and life support, as well as whether you’ll want to be at your home, a hospital, or a nursing home. Speak with your doctor to understand treatment options as you plan end of life options. Then talk to your family and others close to you about these preferences, and give your doctor and family members copies of your advance health care directive to make sure your instructions are known and abided by.
We’ll take care to create a legally binding document that’s clear in its instructions and complies with California law, helping to minimize the risk of disagreement and uncertainty for your family. If you have children from a prior marriage or are in a same sex relationship, an advance health care directive is even more essential to preventing conflict. Now is the time to act if you want to carry out your wishes later. The same is true with your will and living trust. Contact San Diego Law Firm’s experienced will and trust attorneys at (619) 794-0243 to prepare or update these important documents.
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