Advance Health Care Directives: Safeguarding Your Medical Wishes

Planning for future medical needs offers peace of mind and helps to ensure your health care preferences are always respected. Addressing these sensitive matters proactively alleviates stress for yourself and your loved ones in challenging times.

Akridge & Balch, P.C., in Auburn, Alabama, serves individuals and families across Lee County. Known for professionalism and a client-focused approach, our estate planning attorneys offer knowledgeable and personalized legal support tailored to your unique needs.

Understanding Alabama Living Wills

Many people come to our firm asking about advance medical directives. One of the most common questions is: What is a living will?

Alabama law recognizes a living will as a legal document that clearly outlines your preferences for medical treatment if you become unable to communicate. It empowers you to specify the types of life-sustaining treatments you do or do not want, such as resuscitation or mechanical ventilation. It also allows your health care decisions to align with your values and beliefs.

Understanding Advanced Health Care Directives

An advanced health care directive encompasses various legal tools that allow you to plan for medical decisions in advance. In Alabama, you can create a health care directive that appoints someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf when you cannot.

It also lets you outline specific treatments you wish to receive or avoid, providing clarity and guidance for your health care providers and loved ones.

The Role A Health Care Proxy Fills In Alabama

A health care proxy, also known as a health care agent, plays a vital role in helping ensure your medical preferences are honored. The health care agent’s duties include making decisions about treatments, medications and end-of-life care.

The powers of a health care proxy are defined by the directives you establish, authorizing them to act in your best interest when you are unable to do so yourself.

How Living Wills And Health Care Directives Differ

While both of these tools address future medical decisions, they serve distinct purposes. A living will focuses on specific treatments you wish to accept or decline. In contrast, a health care directive often involves appointing a proxy to make broader decisions on your behalf.

Trusted Advance Medical Directive Attorneys

For guidance in creating effective advance medical directives, contact our estate planning lawyers today at 334-246-4697 or through our online form. We can guide you through the complexities of Alabama law and help you secure your health care future.