Advance Health Care Directives In Miami: Protecting Your Wishes

My name is Nelson C. Keshen, and I am an estate planning lawyer. I founded my Miami law firm to help families throughout South Florida create comprehensive estate plans that reflect their unique needs and goals. With more than 40 years of experience, I help my clients plan ahead for whatever is to come by making sure their estate plan includes advance health care directives or a living will.

What Is A Living Will?

A living will is also known as an advance directive, and it outlines your health care preferences in the event you become incapacitated or unable to communicate your wishes. This document allows you to specify the types of medical treatments you do or do not want to receive, such as:

• Life-sustaining treatments
• Pain management
• Other health care decisions 

By having a living will in place, you can ensure that your health care providers and loved ones understand your wishes and respect your autonomy.

Why Do You Need An Advance Health Care Directive In Florida?

An advance health care directive is an important tool in a comprehensive estate plan. Together with a medical power of attorney, it allows you to maintain control over your health care decisions, even if you are unable to communicate. Without an advance directive, health care providers may be forced to make decisions on your behalf, which may not align with your values or preferences. By creating an advance directive, you can appoint a health care surrogate to make decisions for you. By appointing someone you trust, your wishes are represented and you can be sure that your health care needs will be met. 

Can You Change Or Revoke An Advance Health Care Directive?

Yes, you can change or revoke an advance health care directive at any time. To do so, you must sign a new document that revokes the previous one or make changes to the existing document and have it witnessed and notarized. It is important to review your advance directive regularly. This way, you can make sure that it still reflects your wishes and update it whenever necessary so it remains consistent with your changing needs.

Choosing A Health Care Proxy?

Choosing the right health care proxy is a critical decision. Your health care proxy, also known as a health care surrogate, will make health care decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Consider appointing someone you trust, such as a family member, close friend or loved one, who understands your values and health care preferences. It is also important to discuss your wishes with your health care proxy to make sure they are willing and able to carry out your instructions.

Speak With A South Florida Living Will Attorney

Do you need to create or update an advance health care directive? I am available by appointment. To schedule an initial consultation, you can call 305-517-3577 or send me a message through my website. I look forward to answering your questions and reviewing your estate planning goals.