Stamford, Connecticut, Living Wills Attorney
Sound Legal Advice for Clients in New Preston and Neighboring Areas
Living wills, also called advance health care directives or health care powers of attorney, are documents that provide doctors and hospitals with instructions about medical treatment or life-sustaining care when you cannot. From issues over a physician's judgment and the often complex medical language involved in living wills, Brandner & Ponzini helps clients make sound decisions about how they fit into a comprehensive estate plan.
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Carrying out your wishes in the event of grave illnesses, coma, incapacity or a persistent vegetative state is a serious matter that your designated agent should probably discuss with a social worker. Many hospitals or care facilities have their own documents that can be in conflict with details in a living will. In some cases, it may be preferable to use their documents instead of or in conjunction with your own living will rather than relying on a single document to cover all possible situations. A knowledgeable lawyer at our firm offers trusted advice in a confidential consultation.
Honoring Medical Instructions in Living Wills
Should you choose to document your medical treatment and end-of-life wishes, it is important to understand a doctor's or hospital's obligations concerning a living will. Health care providers are generally required to honor your wishes and the reasonable interpretation of them by your designated agent. However, there are situations where someone may decline to follow your decisions if they:
- Conflict with the individual health care provider's conscience
- Violate the institution's ethics policies
- Involve medical care that doesn't meet generally accepted health care standards
This doesn't necessarily imply that living wills are ignored by the medical facility, refusal to comply with your directions requires immediate notification and prompt action to transfer you to a provider that will honor your wishes. There are some consequences for refusing to execute a living will, but they are rarely enforced.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Living Will Options
Our goal is to evaluate your options and save you any unnecessary expenses while still helping you meet your estate planning objectives.
Located in the Stamford area for over 20 years serving clients like you, our estate planning lawyers provide sound advice about living wills, inheritance concerns, probate litigation and other estate planning services to fit your individual needs. To discuss your legal concerns with a caring professional, contact Brandner & Ponzini today.
