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Should advance directives form part of estate planning?

May 26, 2017 | Estate Planning

The unpredictability of life is likely what motivates people in Florida to create advanced directives. This is typically done as part of a person’s estate planning. The purpose of advanced directives is to provide a way for people to document their wishes related to health care and medical treatment when they can no longer make those decisions on their own.

These are of particular importance in cases of medical emergencies or toward the end of life. There are two ways to go about creating advance directives. The first method is to draft a living will that allows a person to record personal wishes that will serve as instructions and guidance for doctors and family members when that person is unable to communicate. Handing copies of a living will to close family members and the family physician may be a good idea to ensure the wishes are executed accordingly.

The second method is the appointment of a healthcare power of attorney. This process requires the person to appoint someone whose task it will be to take over and make medical decisions when that person can no longer communicate his or her wishes. Naturally, this is an appointment to make after careful consideration, and one that will need an occasional review to make sure that person is still available for the task.

These are but the basics of advanced directives, and Florida residents will likely have many questions about who decides when the directives become effective, along with other issues about state-specific laws related to it. The most logical step would be to consult with an experienced floridaelderlaw.net/Estate-Planning.shtml”>estate planning attorney who can provide all the answers. Advisors suggest people do not wait until the approach old age to get these directives in place.

Source: FindLaw, “What are Advance Directives?“, Accessed on May 12, 2017