Advanced Directive Documents

Advanced Directive Documents


Establishing a will is an important way to protect an estate and to ensure that one's property and belongings will be handled in the manner one intends upon a person's passing. But in the unfortunate case that a person is incapable of managing their own affairs while they are still living, a will is not sufficient to provide information to whomever is controlling the estate of what one's desires are in this situation. Advanced directive documents provide a precise and legally-enforceable way for a person to outline their desires even if they are living but incapacitated, either temporarily or permanently. There are three common advanced directive documents that used to delineate the care of a person's estate in a situation that a will does not control.
The first type of document is a Statutory Durable Power of Attorney which specifies the person who would have control of one's estate in the event that they are incapable of controlling it themselves. Assigning this type of control is an important decision with serious implications, not only for the estate owner but also for those important people in one's life who will be affected by the actions taken by the Power of Attorney.
Medical Power of Attorney for Health Care can also be assigned. Like the Durable Power of Attorney, this person has the right to make decisions on one's behalf in the event that they enter an incapacitated state. As the name implies, these powers are specific to making decisions for you concerning medical activities.
Finally, the Directive to Physician and Family or Surrogate clarifies your wishes regarding your personal health in the event that one is close to death. This advanced directive alleviates the pressure of making crucial decisions about a person's continued health. These decisions are often complex and challenging to make because of emotional, financial, and practical variables that can affect it. By specifically citing one's wishes in these circumstances, a person can remove that pressure from friends and family who will continue to live with the consequences.