Advance directive lawyer Albuquerque

Advance directives fall into one of three categories.

• Living will. Living wills are legal written documents that specify what types of medical interventions and treatments you desire if you are incapacitated and unable to deliver instructions verbally. The directives can be detailed or generalized. An example of one of the most common statements in a living will is: “If I suffer from an incurable or irreversible condition that is determined to be fatal by my healthcare provider, I direct that life-sustaining measures be withheld or discontinued.” Your advance directive lawyer can narrow down the language that is important for you to include in your living will.
• Durable power of attorney. This is a type of power of attorney that gives a surrogate decisionmaker the power to carry out your wishes if you are unable to speak for yourself. A durable power of attorney also provides access to make bank transactions and assist with other financial needs while you are incapacitated. A durable power of attorney is only in effect while you are unable to care for yourself. The person does not retain control over you or your finances once you can speak for yourself.
• Health care proxy. If you are unable to make your own healthcare decisions, a health care proxy can make those choices on your behalf. A health care proxy is a legal document that designates the person you have chosen to represent your right to refuse or request medical treatment if you cannot communicate your choices.

Advance directives must meet certain requirements to be legal in Albuquerque NM. Working with an advance directive lawyer ensures you are meeting all mandates so that your wishes are upheld should you ever be unable to communicate your wishes about how healthcare is administered.