Ellicott City Advance Medical Directives Lawyer

Advance Medical Directives Attorney In Ellicott City

A historic hub of Howard County, Maryland, Ellicott City is no stranger to the uncertainties life can throw our way. Whether you are the father of young kids in Centennial or are just beginning retired life in Turf Valley, it is wise to plan for the unexpected. One of the most effective ways to do this is by establishing a comprehensive estate plan and, within that, an advance medical directive. Retaining an Ellicott City advance medical directives lawyer can be essential.

At Liberty Legacy Law Group, our attorneys have been helping clients and families just like yours for years. We are firm believers that you are never too young to draft these legal documents and are here to help you prepare for the future, whatever that might bring. Our attorneys can help protect your assets, plan for any case of disability or incapacity, and appoint agents who can make certain financial or medical decisions on your behalf.

The Different Kinds of Advance Medical Directives Available in Ellicott City

An advance medical directive is a key component of a comprehensive estate plan. It names a healthcare power of attorney, also known as a healthcare surrogate or healthcare proxy, to make decisions for you regarding your medical treatments in the event that you become incapacitated. Within this document, you can dictate your wishes regarding these decisions and how you want your end-of-life care to proceed.

Also sometimes referred to as a living will, an advance medical directive can also direct your medical care providers about the care you wish to receive or the care you would rather avoid. This is one of the most important parts of your estate plan, and it gives you and your loved ones peace of mind that your wishes will be followed.

Despite the importance of these documents, only around 18% of adults aged 55 and older actually have them legally established and in place should anything happen to them. This is a staggering number, and it is vital that you establish this legal document, no matter your age or health.

There are several different types of advance medical directives you can choose from or combine, including the following:

• Living Will. This kind of advanced medical directive allows you to set forth your desires regarding end-of-life care. It can dictate what kind of medical treatment you would or would not like to receive if you become terminally ill or suffer a vegetative state.

This document becomes active when you are no longer capable of communicating your wishes yourself. It can guide your loved ones and your doctors in making certain medical decisions.

• Do Not Resuscitate. Also called a DNR, a do-not-resuscitate order instructs your medical care team not to administer CPR to resuscitate you should your heart stop beating. You can also choose a do-not-intubate order if you would rather not be intubated should the need arise, such as if you cannot breathe. These orders can be issued at your request and added to the rest of your medical documentation.
• Medical Power of Attorney. Also known as a durable power of attorney, this POA appoints an individual to act as your agent when it comes to decisions you are unable to make yourself.

A physician must first determine if you are unable to make your own decisions before a medical power of attorney can be initiated. This person is typically your spouse, partner, child, or a close friend who is responsible for following your wishes.

• Organ and Tissue Donation. In Maryland, hundreds of people have opted to become organ or tissue donors in the event of their death. You can register as a tissue or organ donor in advance of your death or include these desires in your advance medical directive. Being an organ donor can provide life-saving treatments for other people.
• Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment. Also known as a MOLST, a medical order for life-sustaining treatment is a strict set of medical orders that outline how you want your medical treatment to go. This is intended to serve individuals who are diagnosed with a severe condition or illness. A MOLST must be signed by your physician. It should also be included in your medical record.

Why Liberty Legacy Law Group Is the Right Choice for You

At Liberty Legacy Law Group, our estate planning lawyers are committed to offering you and your loved ones the confident and compassionate legal services you deserve. No one wants to think about what incapacitation, or the end of their life might look like, but it is vital to ensure that your desires are carried out when you no longer have the ability to voice them.

When you are choosing a legal partner who can help you establish these legal documents in a way that is both legally binding and accurately reflects your goals and priorities, it is vital that you pick the right team. At Liberty Legacy Law Group, we are the right team for the job. We are tied and invested in the community, we understand the demographics attached to over 75,000 individuals in Ellicott City, and we understand local laws and regulations.

We have years of experience when it comes to estate planning law and are here to offer you and your family the personalized attention and tailored case approach you deserve. Let us empower you by sharing our legal knowledge and helping you create an estate plan that includes everything you need.

Speak With a Trusted Advanced Medical Directive/Living Wills Attorney Today

Now is the time to take control of your medical future and healthcare. You do not want to leave these decisions up to chance, especially when it comes to your health. Let the team at Liberty Legacy Law Group protect your rights and ensure that your desires are carried out and respected. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about our estate planning legal services.