What are Advance Directives?

Rainbow Law's Free Document Package includes Advance Directives for one person or a couple! To order a Free Document Package, click here.

Advance Directives are:

• Durable Power of Attorney for Finances (DPOA): A Durable (durable means that the powers granted in the document remain in tact even if you become incapacitated) Power of Attorney gives you the right to name someone you trust to manage your affairs pay your bills, write checks on your account, buy and sell property, make investments, etc. while you are in a state of incapacity (unaware of your surroundings, name, date, place and unable to manage your own affairs), whether or not you will eventually recover. You decide whether you want this power to become effective when you sign the document or if you would rather have it take effect when you become disabled. Your DPOA ceases to be effective upon your death. Without a DPOA, if you should become incapacitated, your partner would need to request that a court appoint him or her as your agent. This can be expensive, time-consuming, and distressing to all involved, especially if there is a conflict between your partner and a family member.

• Medical Power of Attorney: This document lets you appoint an agent to make health care decisions for you if you become incapacitated and unable to speak for yourself. You may include language in this document that directs medical professionals to give your partner (as your agent) the right to visit you in any hospital or any health care facility.

• Living Will: A Living Will gives you the right to make important decisions regarding your health care and your body. For example, you can state what medical treatment you want, if any, in the event that you succumb to an illness or injury with no hope of recovery. You can decide for yourself whether you want to be placed on life support or if you want artificial nourishment (tube feeding), etc.