The Power Of An Advance Directive In Georgia

When it comes to understanding an advanced directive in Georgia, our state is not unique.

In fact, most states have similar laws as the advanced directive in Georgia. Additionally, most states have provisions accepting Advance Care Directives from other states with similar requirements.

Since we reside in Georgia, I’m specifically writing about the power a Georgia Advance Directive for health care gives an individual. Typically, Advance Directives are components of Estate Plans though they can be stand-alone documents.

It’s Best To Prepare For The Unexpected During Calm Peaceful Times

We never know what life has in store for us. It’s always better to prepare for the unexpected instead of being unprepared. If the pandemic taught us anything it is that it is so much better not to be forced to make important decisions during tragic situations. We all have time to make these difficult and important decisions while calm, peaceful, and thinking clearly.

In the state of Georgia, creating an Advance Directive for health care gives you the right to select a medical agent to make decisions on your behalf should you become unable to make these decisions for yourself. You will also have the power to select your end-of-life treatment options. Do you want to accept or refuse medical treatment? Do you want to withhold or remove life-giving care in the event of a terminal condition? These are not the kinds of things people enjoy thinking about. But, as too many people found out, they are important things to think about before a situation arises. The Advance Directive also allows for post-death decisions such as autopsy requests, organ donations, and the final disposition of the body.

Once you create an Advance Directive, you can change it if you change your mind and decide you want to do things differently.

Even More Important When You Have A Child With Cognitive Challenges

An Advance Directive is an important legal document. Especially if you have a child or are the legal guardian of a loved one over the age of 18 who can’t make important life decisions for themselves. Advance Directives provide legal written instructions that must be carried out by the person that has been designated as the Medical Power of Attorney.

Think About The Unthinkable Before The Unthinkable Happens

If you are ready to create an Advance Directive for health care, give my office a call at 404-370-0696. You’ll be surprised at the peace of mind having this important document will give you. This is true whether you have to use it or not. It’s so much better to have it and never have to use it than to wish you had it.

Looking to find an experienced estate lawyer in the Georgia area who is skilled in asset protection and estate plan preparation? Shannon Pawley is an attorney in Georgia with expertise in estate planning and asset protection. Shannon can provide assistance with creating an estate plan to include making a will and how to establish a trust properly. If you have questions about asset protection or questions about making an estate plan, reach out to Shannon and she will be glad to help answer all the estate planning questions you might have!