Stevens Point Health Care Directive Attorney
A health care directive gives you a voice in your own medical care even when you can no longer speak for yourself. It lets you name a trusted person to make medical choices for you and outline the type of care you want if you become incapacitated.
Without one, those choices may fall to family members who disagree or, in some cases, to a court. At Paul Anderson Legal, our attorney helps Wisconsin residents put these documents in place as part of a complete estate planning strategy.
What Does A Complete Wisconsin Health Care Directive Include?
Wisconsin law recognizes two primary documents that work together to form a complete health care directive.
Power Of Attorney
A health care power of attorney lets you designate a person you trust as your agent who can make medical choices for you if you can no longer make them yourself. Your agent can communicate with doctors, review your medical records and make treatment decisions based on the guidelines you set. Choosing the right agent and documenting your expectations clearly can prevent conflict among family members during an already difficult time.
Living Will
A living will outlines your preferences for end-of-life care, addressing questions such as whether you want life-sustaining treatment if you have a terminal condition. While a healthcare power of attorney designates who makes decisions, a living will documents what those decisions should reflect.
The Real Cost Of Going Without A Health Care Directive In Wisconsin
Many people assume health care directives are only for the elderly or seriously ill. That assumption can leave anyone unprepared. A sudden car accident, an unexpected stroke or a progressive illness can affect people of any age.
Without a directive, Wisconsin law determines who has authority over your medical care, and that person may not be who you would have chosen. Family members can also disagree on the right course of treatment, leading to painful disputes or legal proceedings.
Keeping Your Health Care Directive Current As Your Life Evolves
A health care directive is not a document you create once and set aside. Life changes, and your directive should reflect who you are and what you want today. Common reasons to update include:
- A divorce or separation
- The death or incapacity of your agent
- A significant change in your health condition
- A move or change in family circumstances
You can revoke or update your health care directive at any time as long as you retain the legal capacity to do so. Keeping your estate plan current is an ongoing process.
Make Your Wishes Known With Our Stevens Point Estate Planning Team
Creating a health care directive is one of the most meaningful steps you can take for yourself and your family. Call us at 715-861-1594 or contact Paul Anderson Legal online to schedule a consultation with our estate planning team today.