Advance directives are essential estate planning tools

No one relishes thinking about death and illness. At The Law Offices of Gregory W. Kabel, P.A., our Fort Lauderdale estate planning lawyer works hard to make this important task as pleasant and easy as possible. Attorney Kabel is well-known throughout the area for his compassionate, personalized approach. You may have heard advance directive forms can be completed without the aid of an attorney. While this is true, the guidance of a skilled estate planning lawyer is invaluable in the preparation of these documents. Attorney Kabel ensures legal compliance and enforceability and addresses all your specific needs and requirements.

Caring is preparing through advance directives

Advance directives are instructions you set in place before a specific need arises. This allows you to inform others as to your wishes should you find yourself unable to do so at some point in your life. This relieves family members and other loved ones of the additional anguish they may experience in the following situations:

• They are unsure of what you would have chosen for yourself and are put in the difficult position of making crucial and emotionally-charged decisions.
• They know your wishes, but are unable to carry them out without seeking Court authority.
• They disagree with one another about what you would want, which results in anger, fighting and drawn-out legal battles.

By establishing your wishes in advance, you prevent loved ones this pain and turmoil.

What are advance directives?

To ensure your wishes are carried out during a medical emergency, when you are incapacitated or are facing terminal illness, an advance directive details them in writing. These legal instruments include the following:

• Living will – This declaration specifies if you want lifesaving and/or life prolonging care to be provided or withheld in the event you are in a vegetative state, a permanent coma or have a terminal condition in which death is unavoidable.
• Designation of Healthcare Surrogate – This authorizes another individual to make healthcare decisions in the event of your physical or mental incapacity. This is an important legal document for your estate plan if you and your partner are not married, but you prefer that your loved one has these crucial rights when you are incapacitated and unable to make your wishes clear.
• Durable Power of Attorney – This authorizes another individual to manage your financial and/or legal affairs on your behalf. This too is an important legal document for your estate plan if you and your partner are not married, but you prefer that your loved one has these crucial rights when you are incapacitated and unable to make your wishes clear.
• Disposition of remains – This directive allows your loved ones to carry out burial or cremation arrangements according to your personal preferences. In the LGBTQ community, this right has not always been clear-cut, leading to clashes with family members. Addressing this beforehand helps you both carry out your wishes.
• Anatomical gifts form – This form makes your wishes to donate any or all of your organs very clear.

Ensure your wishes are granted through advance directives. Our knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale estate planning lawyer can help

Since 2008, the estate planning lawyer at The Law Offices of Gregory W. Kabel, P.A., has helped residents throughout Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors and all of Broward County with their estate planning, trust and advance directives needs. In addition, we have extensive experience assisting members of the LGBTQ community with the legal complexities that can challenge their unique situation. Call 954-761-7770 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.