Advanced Directive/Living Will Lawyer in Libertyville

Serving Clients in Illinois & Missouri

Planning for the future involves more than just deciding who will inherit your assets. One essential element of estate planning is making medical decisions in advance, through an instrument known as an Advanced Directive or Living Will. At Evans Legacy Law Group LLC, we’re here to guide you through this crucial process.

What Is an Advanced Directive/Living Will?

An Advanced Directive, also commonly known as a Living Will, is a legal document that takes effect if you’re incapacitated and unable to communicate your medical preferences. Think of it as a roadmap for your healthcare team and loved ones to follow, eliminating the guesswork from critical decisions. In Illinois, Advanced Directives are governed by the Illinois Living Will Act and the Health Care Surrogate Act. These laws ensure your wishes are honored to the letter, provided they are properly outlined in your directive.

This document can cover a wide range of issues: from the type of pain management you’d prefer to whether or not you would want life-sustaining treatments like mechanical ventilation or tube feeding. It can also detail your thoughts on treatments like blood transfusions and dialysis. You can specify under what conditions you’d like these treatments to be used or avoided, providing a clear guide for medical professionals and your family

Why It’s Essential to Have an Advanced Directive in Illinois

No one likes to think about situations where they might be incapacitated. However, life is unpredictable. An Advanced Directive ensures your wishes are known and followed, sparing your family from the heart-wrenching choices that often come with medical emergencies. Without this document, your family might have to go through a legal process to make decisions for you, which can be time-consuming, costly, and emotionally draining.

Choosing Your Healthcare Agent in Illinois

It’s not just about stating your wishes; it’s also about choosing the right person to make sure those wishes are honored. This person is your Healthcare Agent. Your agent should be someone you trust implicitly and who knows you well enough to make decisions that align with your values and beliefs. It’s essential to have an open dialogue with this person about what you would want in various situations. Remember, this is not an easy task for anyone; make sure your chosen agent is willing and able to shoulder this responsibility.

The Process of Creating an Advanced Directive/Living Will

The process of creating an Advanced Directive or Living Will may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. At Evans Legacy Law Group LLC, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our approach is rooted in meaningful conversations where we dive deep into your healthcare objectives and how they fit within the broader scope of your estate planning. Let’s break down what this journey often looks like.

• Initial Consultation and Healthcare Goals Assessment: We start with a one-on-one meeting to understand your healthcare preferences, concerns, and overall objectives.
• Aligning Your Advanced Directive with Your Estate Plan: We examine how your Advanced Directive fits within your existing or planned estate strategy, ensuring cohesion across all legal documents.
• Custom-Tailoring Your Document: Avoid generic templates; we’ll help you draft an Advanced Directive that is detailed, clear, and specific to your healthcare wishes.
• Legal Review and Finalization: We thoroughly review the draft together, making any last adjustments, to ensure it aligns with Illinois law and your personal wishes.
• Ongoing Support and Revisions: Life changes, and so can your Advanced Directive. We’re here for periodic reviews and updates to your document as needed.

Revoking or Updating Your Advanced Directive/Living Will

Life changes and so might your preferences for medical treatment. Fortunately, Advanced Directives/Living Wills in Illinois are not set in stone. You can revoke or update them as your situation or preferences change. We recommend reviewing this document regularly, especially after significant life events like marriage, divorce, or diagnosis of a chronic illness.

Take Control of Your Healthcare Choices in Illinois, We’re Here to Help

The topic of healthcare directives might be emotionally taxing, but it’s also empowering. Knowing that you have a plan in place can bring peace of mind to both you and your loved ones. Contact us online or call us at 872-244-6953 today for a confidential consultation. If you’re looking to establish an Advanced Directive/Living Will in Illinois, Evans Legacy Law Group LLC can guide you through the process. Let’s secure your healthcare wishes for the future, giving you and your family the peace of mind you deserve.