Forsyth County, GA Advance Directives Lawyer Giving Clients Peace of Mind About the Future

One concern many people in Georgia have as they age is whether their wishes will be respected regarding the medical treatment they will receive if they become unable to express their wishes to their doctor. Doctors may simply follow their regular protocol if you are incapacitated for any reason, be it age, illness, or injury. This could apply to many scenarios, such as whether you will receive treatment through artificial feeding, breathing machines, or resuscitation.

With an advance directive, you will have an appointed representative who knows you well and understands your preferences make these decisions on your behalf. In the state of Georgia, this is also known as a living will and includes directions for that representative and your doctor to follow. We highly recommend that many of our clients obtain an advance directive, as this brings great peace of mind to the individual and their family. As you meet with lawyer Mike Bascom to discuss the possibility of your advance directive, he will take the time to get to know you and understand your wishes about possible medical care. For details about how we can help you, please contact us at our convenient Cumming location by calling 770-285-5493.

What is an Advance Directive?

An advance directive is a legally binding document, also known as a living will, that instructs how your medical treatment should be handled if you become unable to make decisions for your treatment. A medical professional must declare your incapacity for the advance directive to become active. When this happens, your treatment decisions will be made by the person you have appointed as your representative.

The individual who represents you and makes medical decisions for you must be specified in the advance directive when you create it. This should be someone responsible who you trust and who knows you well. It could be a close family member like a spouse, an adult child, your doctor, or your lawyer. The advance directive may tell that person your preferences for your medical treatment, such as whether you wish for doctors to use artificial breathing machines or feeding tubes or whether you wish to be resuscitated if you die.

To be sure that your advance directive is adequately drafted according to Georgia law, your top priority should be to seek an experienced attorney who can help you through this process. At Bascom Law, P.C., we have many years of experience helping clients get advance directives, and we are ready to help you today.

Can Anyone Change My Advance Directive Without My Knowledge?

Since your advance directive is a binding legal document, there are very rare circumstances where it can be altered without your knowledge. Family members, for example, cannot direct doctors to treat you in a way that differs from your instructions. It is possible, however, for the person you appointed in your advance directive to override your wishes, as they can legally make medical decisions on your behalf.

There are rare instances where a medical issue arises that you did not expect, and the doctor may vary from the instructions in your advance directive. This is legally permissible as the doctor has the final word for your treatment. However, most doctors respect their patients’ advance directives.

How Do I Get an Advance Directive in Georgia?

It is essential to understand that an advance directive is only effective if it is prepared before you become incapacitated. For this reason, it is never too early to begin the process of drafting an advance directive. If you believe this document will be helpful for you, your first priority should be to find a knowledgeable advance directive lawyer who is familiar with Georgia laws and who has your best interest at heart.

At Bascom Law, P.C., Georgia’s advisors for estate management legalities understand the nuances of these delicate legal matters. Lawyer Mike Bascom’s goal is to understand your situation and wishes so he can craft the perfect estate plan that will suit your needs, including an advance directive if necessary. Working with attorney Bascom, you will outline your preferences regarding your medical treatment and select the right individual to make medical decisions for you should the need arise. Reach out to us today for a consultation.

Can Our Advance Directive Attorney Help You?

When considering end-of-life planning, you may worry that these critical decisions will be difficult to make. The various options available in Georgia can seem overwhelming, not to mention the troublesome task of imagining your death or your inability to make decisions for yourself. However, even though these matters may seem unpleasant, we think you will find that working with the friendly legal team at Bascom Law, P.C. is a delightful experience that brings you greater peace of mind about the future.

When you sit down with attorney Mike Bascom, he will listen compassionately to your wishes about the future. He recognizes that every client’s needs are unique and that what you require in your advance directive may differ from anyone else’s. Mike is always willing to put in the time to get to know clients so he can give them the best possible plan for their future, offering peace of mind to each individual and their family.

It is never too late or too early to begin planning your advance directive. If you believe this important legal document will be helpful in your estate plan, or if you have any other questions about preparing for the future, such as drafting a will, creating a trust, etc., please reach out to us and let us know. We are more than happy to meet with you in a consultation to discuss the details of your estate planning needs, so call us today at 770-285-5493.