What Are Advance Directives?

Advance Directives are important Estate Planning documents that allow you to select a trusted person, or persons, to make important health care and financial decisions for you if you are not able to do so for yourself. You sign in advance of an emergency or crisis situation, while you are able to think and have the capacity to clearly communicate your wishes about how you want things handled for you when the crisis situation happens. Although intended to be used when you are incapacitated, the documents are effective as soon as you sign them, so you must choose trustworthy agents.

Designation of Health Care Surrogate: Gives a person you select the ability to make healthcare decisions on your behalf when you cannot make decisions for yourself due to illness or incapacity.

Durable Power of Attorney: Gives someone you choose legal authority to act in your place and make business and financial decisions for you.

HIPAA Release: Grants persons the authorization to receive your medical information and discuss your medical condition with health care providers.

Designation of Preneed Guardian: Allows you to name a preneed guardian by making a written declaration that nominates such guardian to serve in the event of a legal determination of incapacity by a court.

Living Will: Expresses your instructions concerning life-prolonging procedures.

With offices in Orange Park, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine, our Elder Law Attorneys work with many clients in North Florida to create comprehensive Estate Plans to address clients’ needs and wishes with strong advance directives that are compliant with Florida Statutes to ensure that their clients are protected.