Sacramento Advanced Healthcare Directive Attorneys

Trusted Advance Healthcare Directive Lawyer for Medical Decision and End-of-Life Planning

No matter what stage of life you are in, you must have an advance directive that can express your wishes should you become incapacitated. An advance directive authorizes your chosen agent to make healthcare decisions for you and helps prevent costly legal disputes and delays in treatment.

If you have questions about creating advance health care directives, contact Cava & Faulkner, Attorneys at Law, today. Schedule a free initial consultation to learn more about our legal services.

Why Do You Need an Advance Health Care Directive for Future Care Planning?

An Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) is a legally binding document that allows your designated agent (your healthcare proxy) to make medical decisions should you become incapacitated. Having an advance directive is vital, no matter your age, as it helps prevent family conflicts by keeping your loved ones from second-guessing what type of medical care you would have wanted.

An AHCD ensures that your doctor, medical team, and family members are aware of your medical preferences and the type of treatment that you wish to receive. For example, it can give specific instructions regarding life-sustaining treatment, pain management, or organ donation.

Why is it Best to hire a Lawyer to Help Me Create an Advance Directive?

As with any legal document, it is always best to consult a qualified lawyer when creating an advance directive to ensure it complies with California law.

Your lawyer will work with you to ensure that your advance health care directive is tailored to your specific circumstances and wishes regarding medical interventions and life support. Proper planning can help prevent confusion regarding who should act as your health care proxy and the medical treatment you wish to receive.

Your lawyer can also provide guidance on choosing a trusted person who will act as your health care agent and support your wishes even if they do not necessarily agree.

Who Can I Appoint as My Health Care Agent?

California law allows you to appoint any competent adult 18 and older to act as your health care agent. Whoever you choose should be someone you can trust to make challenging medical decisions and handle family conflicts if the need arises.

Your agent can begin to serve immediately or when you are determined to be incapacitated, as outlined in your advance directive.

There are, however, restrictions as to who can act as your health care agent. Under the law, your agent cannot be an operator of the medical facility that is currently providing for your care, unless they are related to you.

You should also consider alternates who can assume the health care agent’s duties if they are unable to fulfill their obligations.

Contact Cava & Faulkner, Attorneys at Law, today to Secure Your Wishes and Future

While an advanced health care directive ensures your medical wishes are followed if you cannot speak for yourself, it is just one of several key estate planning documents needed for the future. Cava & Faulkner, Attorneys at Law, is committed to helping you prepare for what lies ahead, so you can confidently face the future.

Contact our Sacramento-area law firm today at (916) 831-7565 to schedule a free consultation.