Do You Have A Medical Directive (Living Will)?

If you are gravely ill or were injured, you might not be able to communicate your wishes regarding medical intervention and end-of-life care. If your wishes are not known, medical providers may take an unintended approach or family members may be faced with agonizing choices.

A medical directive to physicians, commonly known as a living will, gives guidance to doctors and assurance to your loved ones about your preferences. The estate planning lawyers of McCullough & McCullough can walk you through the important scenarios, to help you clearly state your wishes in writing.

Declaring Your Wishes For End-Of-Life Care

Medical directive, advance directive, health care directive and living will are different terms for the same document. It provides specific direction about what care should or should not be taken on your behalf, from emergency room intervention to palliative care:

• Do you want “heroic measures” if your heart stops or a DNR (do not resuscitate)?
• Under what circumstances would you want to be kept on life support?
• At the end, do you want to be lucid for loved ones or peacefully sedated?
• Who do you want present when you pass? Do you want religious last rites?

These are examples of the difficult but important issues that might be addressed in your living will, in conjunction with your will and powers of attorney.

Spare Your Family From Decisions And Disputes

Establishing a medical directive can avoid arguments, legal action and unintended actions if you are incapacitated and unable to speak for yourself. McCullough & McCullough can provide a comprehensive estate plan or add a living will addendum to your existing documents. Our Harlingen law firm serves clients in Cameron County and throughout South Texas. Call 956-320-1320 or contact us online.

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