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Living Will / Advance Health Care Directives & Health Care Proxies
Unfortunately, death is an inevitable part of life that we all must eventually face. Consequently, it is important for people of all ages and health conditions to plan for end-of-life care. Although it is not something we like to think about, it is better to have your wishes expressed clearly and be legally enforceable, to avoid a situation of uncertainty down the line, if you are incapacitated unable to express your desires regarding your care.
Ease the Burden On Your Loved Ones And Rest Assured That Your End-Of-Life Care Wishes Will Be Carried OutSadly, when faced with end-of-life care decisions for loved ones, many families experience further grief and stress when trying to decide the best course of action for a loved-one facing terminal illness, when his/her wishes can no longer be expressed. Drafting a living will/advance health care directive will eliminate those concerns, so you and your family can be assured that your true wishes are carried out and you face end-of-life care with as much comfort as possible.
An important estate planning tool, a "living will," sometimes called an "advance health care directive" clearly and legally states your wishes regarding future medical care. Ease the burden on your family and loved ones and rest assured that your desires and values will be upheld and reflected in the care you receive.
We Will Guide You Through The ProcessLiving wills and advance health care directives can contain complex content that must be phrased carefully and effectively to be legally enforceable. If you are unable to express your wishes regarding your own care, it is imperative that your advance directives are written accurately to reflect your desires.
The estate planning lawyers at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. will sit down with you to learn your exact wishes and draft a living will that is effective and enforceable, to put you and your family at ease. Call us today for a free consultation at 617-225-2100.
Executing A Living Will In Massachusetts By Itself Is Not EnoughLiving wills, by themselves, are not statutorily binding on hospitals and health care professionals in Massachusetts. In addition to a living will, you also need to execute a Health Care Proxy, which names and "agent" who will enforce the wishes you expressed in the living will.
The Health Care Proxy will grant your agent the authority to make health care decisions on your behalf if you are unable to express your wishes due to incapacitation. These decisions include those designed to treat and also termination/continuation of life-support measures. Pursuant to Massachusetts law, the Health Care Proxy must be signed by the principal and in front of two witnesses who are over age 18 and under no undue influence.
The estate planning attorneys at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. will draft a living will/health care directive that accurately expresses your wishes and will also help you complete health care proxy forms to make your wishes legally enforceable. Our estate attorneys serve Greater Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Braintree, the South Shore, and all of Massachusetts. Our offices are located in Boston, Cambridge and Quincy. Call us today to discuss tailoring an estate plan to keep your assets secure for generations to come and to ensure your end-of-life wishes are followed, easing any further burden on your family and loved ones. Contact us today at 617-225-2100. You can also contact us through our online form and we will promptly respond.
