Grand Rapids Advance Directive Lawyer

Estate planning goes far beyond plans for transferring property to loved ones after your death. At Inhulsen Law, we want you to have the proper healthcare treatment during your lifetime.

Incorporating healthcare directives into your plan is one step we can take to protect you in case you are ever unable to communicate your care preferences or treatment authorization. 

Because accidents and illnesses can cause medical emergencies at any time, it is wise for all adults to have healthcare directives prepared in advance. 

Request a complimentary consultation with a Grand Rapids advance directive firm by calling (616) 345-2810 or reaching us by email. 

Components of Healthcare Directives

Healthcare or advance directives typically consist of two main components. The first is a durable power of attorney for healthcare, also called a medical power of attorney.

The second is a living will, which differs from a traditional last will and testament.

Healthcare Power of Attorney 

A durable power of attorney for healthcare is a document that authorizes someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated and unable to make or communicate decisions.

With this legally binding document, you can avoid unnecessary delays in receiving critical care; your designated person can quickly decide and authorize treatment.

The person you choose to make decisions for you—sometimes known as a health care agent or patient advocate–does not need to be an attorney or have special training. However, you should choose someone you trust to make decisions that you would want. 

It is crucial to have detailed discussions with your prospective agent. They need to understand explicitly the types of treatment you would or would not want in specific situations. 

For example, if you were in a coma-causing severe car accident and needed immediate medical intervention, your doctors would have clear guidance on your specific healthcare preferences, including potential life-sustaining treatment. 

Living Wills 

Unlike a traditional will, which distributes property after your death, a living will deals with medical and care decisions during your lifetime. This document describes your preferences for life-extending medical care if you are suffering from a serious medical condition and not expected to recover. 

In situations where you cannot speak for yourself, your living will can explain what types of treatment you would and would not want to receive. For instance, you might wish to take pain medication but not artificial feeding.

In Michigan, living wills do not have the independent legal effect they do in many other jurisdictions. However, these documents provide crucial guidance to your healthcare agent or patient advocate about the decisions that should be made on your behalf.