Advance Directives Attorney in Salem, Oregon

No one knows what tomorrow brings. Although we cannot predict it, we can prepare for it. Within estate planning, there are many ways one can prepare for the future from wills and trusts to powers of attorney and advance directives. Specifying your wishes now will help your loved ones honor your decisions and be your voice later.

At Bearman Law, attorney David Bearman is committed to helping people with all of their estate planning matters, including advance directives. David has the experience to effectively represent your best interests every step of the way. If you live in Salem, Lake Oswego, Four Corners, or Hayesville, Oregon, Bearman Law can guide you through the process of establishing an advance directive that honors your personal choices pertaining to your health.

What Is an Advance Directive?

Advance directives, sometimes referred to as advance healthcare directives, living wills, or personal directives, are legal documents in which someone specifies what actions should be taken in regards to their health if they’re no longer able to make those decisions themself.

The state of Oregon defines an advance directive as a legal document that “states the healthcare measures a person wants if he or she cannot indicate to continue curative or life-sustaining treatment. An advance directive can also indicate if the person wants to remove life support systems.”

Should you become incapacitated, important and thought-consuming decisions must be made. These decisions can involve any of the following:

• How do you feel about life support? Family members often struggle to choose whether or not their loved ones should be put on or stay on life support. A directive allows you to state your wishes and take the burden of that decision off of them.

• Do you want a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) order? Choosing whether or not to allow healthcare workers to revive you should the need arise is an important decision that should be only be made by you. Your opinion on this matter may change over time.

• Do you want to donate your organs? Your body, your choice. Organ donation is a gift that many people choose as a lasting legacy.

These are difficult decisions that require thoughtful consideration. Making them ahead of time and documenting them in an advance directive, ensures that your wishes are carried out and that your loved ones don’t have to agonize over life and death choices.

Healthcare Representatives

When establishing an advance directive, some individuals choose to appoint a healthcare representative to make any health-related decisions should they become incapacitated. Choosing the right person may be the most important choice you will make when it comes to your estate plan.

It helps if you appoint a representative who understands your ideals, beliefs, and values. In addition, the person must be able to set emotion aside and make decisions in your best interest, even if that means letting you pass on. They should also be someone who you trust to have your voice heard and fight for what you want. This person may be a partner, a grown child, a sibling, a close friend, or even your doctor.

How an Estate Planning Attorney Can Help

In order to establish your estate plan or advance directive in the most comprehensive and efficient way possible, it is in your best interest to work with an experienced attorney who can guide you through each step of the process, review your options, and help you with documentation.

You can feel confidence and peace of mind as you move forward with the knowledge that you have a dedicated legal professional on your side who will be able to lead you in the right direction. It's never too early to put a plan in place that outlines your wishes and prepares for the future.