You have the right to make decisions about your health care. However, if you become incapacitated because of a mental illness or physical injury, you may not be able to speak for yourself. If this happens, you need an advance healthcare directive to speak for you. However, it may not be enforceable if you do not execute the document correctly.
The Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC has over a decade of combined experience in these kinds of matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Our clients benefit from our substantial skills, resources, and knowledge. We can help you draft documents that ensure your wishes are carried out.
Contact us today at (703) 271-6519 or schedule a confidential consultation with our Fairfax advance healthcare directives lawyers. We will help you develop a plan that protects your best interests.
How The Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC Can Help You With Advance Healthcare Directives in Fairfax, VA
At The Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC, we assist our clients as they determine their wishes for their healthcare and end-of-life care. Our attorneys work with our clients to develop estate plans that encompass their wishes while protecting their legacy for future generations.
When you hire our top-rated Fairfax estate planning lawyers, you can expect us to:
- Discuss advance healthcare directives, including what they can and cannot accomplish
- Explain how these directives fit into a comprehensive estate plan
- Discuss the elements to ensure you understand what will happen if you are unable to communicate your desire for end-of-life care
- Prepare all documents to ensure they are legally enforceable
Our attorneys have a perfect 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo. We also received the Avvo Client’s Choice Award. National legal organizations have recognized our attorneys for their exceptional legal services, including the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, Expertise, and The National Trial Lawyers Top 10 Under 40.
Contact us today to request a confidential consultation with an experienced Fairfax family law lawyer.
What Is Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning involves preparing for your future health care if you become seriously or terminally ill. It includes discussing your wishes with your family members.
However, if you do not have legal documents directing your healthcare, your family members may not be legally obligated to follow your wishes. An advance directive puts your wishes in writing so they are clearly defined for your family, doctors, and the courts.
Executing an Advance Health Directive in Fairfax, VA
The Virginia Health Care Decisions Act allows individuals to execute advance directives to voice their preferences for medical care even if they are unable to speak for themselves. The directive prevents family members from guessing what you would want if you became terminally ill. Knowing that your family and doctors will respect your healthcare preferences provides peace of mind.
An Advance Healthcare Directive or Living Will allows you to:
- Specify the health care you do or do not want
- Appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf and enforce the decisions outlined in your advance directive
- Dictate whether you want to be an organ donor or make an anatomical gift after your death
- Direct the specific healthcare you do or do not authorize if you are diagnosed with a terminal condition
- Authorize an agent to take any lawful actions necessary to carry out your directives
Many people have strong opinions regarding end-of-life healthcare. For example, an individual may not want to be placed on a respirator or ventilator. They may not want artificial hydration and feeding tubes. On the other hand, someone may want to receive palliative care when they are terminally ill to make them as comfortable as possible in their final days.
An advance directive specifies your wishes. You can choose which end-of-life healthcare you wish to receive or not receive.
Registering an Advance Healthcare Directive in Virginia
The Advance Health Care Planning Registry allows people to submit documents to the Department of Health, including an Advance Healthcare Directive. The registry provides a location for family members, emergency responders, medical providers, and others you grant access to view your wishes for healthcare.
Other Healthcare Documents You May Consider
In addition to an Advance Healthcare Directive, you may also want to consider executing:
- Living Will
- Healthcare Power of Attorney (Healthcare Proxy)
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders
You may also want to execute a Durable Power of Attorney. This form gives an agent the right to make financial decisions for you, even if you become incapacitated. It can avoid the necessity of a court-appointed guardian and/or conservator. Our Fairfax estate planning attorneys will discuss all the legal documents you need to protect your rights and best interests.
Contact Our Lawyers to Learn More About Advance Healthcare Directives in Fairfax
An Advance Healthcare Directive is an essential element of a comprehensive estate plan. Call The Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC to schedule a meeting with one of our Fairfax advance healthcare directives attorneys. We will help you develop a plan that allows you to maintain control even if you cannot speak for yourself.
