(316) 330-4110Wichita Advanced Directive & Living Will Attorney
Helping You Take Control of Your Health
Estate planning encompasses more than just deciding who gets your stuff. It’s about ensuring your well-being and legal interests are protected, especially during health emergencies. One of the most potent tools to secure such protection in Kansas is through Advance Directives. By setting up a living will and other directives, you make sure your medical care preferences are clearly respected and that doubts don’t hinder critical decisions about your care.
What Are Advance Directives in Kansas?
In Kansas, an Advance Directive is a legal document that allows individuals to specify their preferences for medical treatment in the event they become unable to make decisions for themselves due to illness or incapacity. Advance Directives serve to guide family members and healthcare providers in making healthcare decisions that align with the individual’s wishes. There are mainly two forms of Advance Directives recognized in Kansas: a Living Will (Declaration to Physicians) and a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions.
Living Will (Declaration to Physicians)
A Living Will provides a clear directive regarding your wishes in the face of terminal conditions or permanent unconsciousness. This written statement is not about choosing between life and death; it’s about ensuring that your end-of-life care aligns with your values and wishes. It’s about taking control, detailing whether you’d want life-prolonging measures, specifying your pain relief preferences, and guiding your loved ones through incredibly tough decisions with clarity and confidence.
For a Living Will to be effective, it must be precise. This is a legal document that requires specific instructions. For example, instead of writing, “I don’t want to be kept alive if there is no hope of recovery,” you would specify instructions about not wanting tube feeding, a ventilator, or dialysis, while also stating preferences for palliative care. This ensures that your physicians know exactly which treatments to administer and which to withhold. A Living Will provides peace of mind for you and your family, knowing your wishes are clear and concise.
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
All adults in Kansas aged 18 and older are advised to have a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care in place. This crucial document allows you to appoint an agent who has the authority to make healthcare decisions on your behalf should you become unable to make those decisions yourself due to incapacitation. This person is often referred to as a healthcare proxy or agent.
Unlike a conservatorship appointed by a court, which grants a third party exclusive control over your healthcare decisions, a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care ensures that you maintain control. You can take back decision-making power as soon as you are legally deemed capable again. This document is particularly essential for young adults, individuals facing major medical procedures, those transitioning to long-term care, or people concerned about conditions like dementia.
Choosing Your Healthcare Agent
The process of selecting a healthcare agent is a deeply personal decision. This person will make decisions that align with your predetermined wishes. The role does not require medical or legal experience, but rather a profound understanding of your values and the willingness to advocate for your preferences. It’s about trust, communication, and preparation.
With decades of experience, our team at the Law Office of Andrew Rowe, P.A., takes great care in facilitating this conversation. We ensure your healthcare concerns and priorities are thoroughly understood and clearly documented. We engage in detailed discussions and provide guidance to ensure there is no ambiguity regarding your healthcare preferences.
Take Control of Your Health Care Planning Today
Embarking on the journey of setting up Advance Directives and a Living Will is a step towards peace of mind—for you and your loved ones. It’s about ensuring that your wishes are respected and that your loved ones are spared from making difficult decisions in times of stress and grief.
While we’re here for urgent situations, creating a thorough and thoughtful plan typically spans a month from consultation to finalization. Reach out to The Law Office of Andrew Rowe, P.A., today at 316-330-4110 or contact us online to start the conversation with a dedicated advanced directive attorney in Kansas, ensuring your health care preferences are respected and clearly documented for any situation that may arise.