End-of-life care isn’t a pleasant topic, but having an advance healthcare directive in place can give both you and your family peace of mind. Contact our knowledgeable advance healthcare directive lawyers today so we can discuss your wishes.
What is an Advance Healthcare Directive?
An advance healthcare directive, sometimes called a living will, is a legal document that allows you to express your healthcare preferences in the event you become unable to communicate those wishes yourself. In New Jersey, an advance healthcare directive gives you the power to specify the types of medical treatments you do or do not want if you are incapacitated, including decisions about life-sustaining measures like resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, and feeding tubes. You can also designate a trusted individual—called a healthcare proxy or agent—to make medical decisions on your behalf. This document ensures that your healthcare preferences are known and respected by medical professionals, even if you’re unable to voice them due to illness or injury.
Whether you want to limit certain treatments or ensure that everything possible is done to prolong your life, an advance healthcare directive is a crucial tool for protecting your medical autonomy. It also provides clarity and comfort to your loved ones, who won’t have to guess about your wishes during stressful and emotional times.
What is the Process of Creating an Advance Healthcare Directive?
Creating an advance healthcare directive in New Jersey is a straightforward process, but it’s important to ensure that all legal requirements are met to make the document valid. The first step is to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney, who can guide you through your options and ensure your wishes are clearly and legally documented. During this process, you’ll need to reflect on your healthcare preferences and make decisions about various medical treatments and interventions. You’ll also choose a healthcare proxy—someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if necessary.
Once your healthcare preferences are outlined, your attorney will draft the advance healthcare directive, ensuring it complies with New Jersey’s legal standards. The document will need to be signed in front of witnesses or a notary public to be legally binding. Your attorney will then recommend that you distribute copies of the directive to your healthcare proxy, loved ones, and healthcare providers, so they can follow your wishes if the need arises. Regularly reviewing and updating your directive, especially after major life events, can ensure that it continues to reflect your current desires.
Contact Our Sussex County Estate Planning Lawyers
We understand that the topic of advance healthcare directives can be a difficult one to discuss, but doing so can help put you and your loved ones at ease. If you’d like to draft an advance healthcare directive or wish to talk more about one, please don’t hesitate to contact the skilled Sussex County estate lawyers here at Laddey Clark & Ryan, LLP.
