Living Wills Attorney in Dunkirk, Maryland
At the Law Offices of Julie A. Schejbal, CHTD, we understand the importance of planning for the future. Located in Dunkirk, Maryland, our firm has over 25 years of experience in estate law.
A living will is a critical part of that process, offering peace of mind by confirming your healthcare wishes are respected if you’re unable to communicate them yourself. We work closely with you to create a document that reflects your values and provides clarity for your loved ones.
Our approach to drafting living wills is rooted in clear communication and individualized attention. Julie A. Schejbal’s extensive background in estate planning, including her experience with the IRS, enables us to address even the most nuanced aspects of these documents.
Whether you’re considering a living will for the first time or updating an existing document, we’re here to guide you through the process. As your trusted living wills support in Dunkirk, Maryland, we’ll make sure that your voice is heard, even when you’re unable to speak for yourself.
What Is a Living Will?
A living will is a legal document that outlines your medical treatment preferences in situations where you cannot communicate. Unlike a last will and testament, which deals with property and assets, a living will focuses solely on healthcare decisions.
This can include whether you wish to receive life-sustaining treatments, such as resuscitation or artificial ventilation, and under what circumstances. By creating a living will, you take control of your medical care. This document can alleviate the burden on your family members, who might otherwise have to make difficult decisions on your behalf.
Instead of guessing what you would want, your loved ones can rely on the guidance provided in your living will. Learn more about why a living will is essential.
Why Living Wills Are Essential
Planning for future medical decisions might not be the easiest task, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take. Without a living will, your healthcare providers may default to performing all possible interventions, even if they conflict with your values or wishes.
Having a living will in place means that your preferences are clear, reducing stress for your family and confirming that your choices are honored.
Living wills are particularly critical in medical emergencies or situations involving terminal illnesses. They can address scenarios such as:
Resuscitation preferences: Specify whether you want CPR performed if your heart stops. This decision can be based on your medical history, personal values, or discussions with your healthcare provider. Including detailed instructions makes sure there is no ambiguity about your wishes.
Artificial nutrition and hydration: Decide if and when you want to receive feeding tubes or IV fluids. These treatments can prolong life, but they may not always improve quality of life. A clear directive helps healthcare providers and loved ones follow your preferences without second-guessing.
Pain management: Outline how you wish pain relief to be handled, balancing comfort with potential side effects. For example, you might prioritize pain relief even if it affects alertness, providing your care team with specific guidance.
Organ donation: Include instructions about whether you wish to donate your organs. This choice can reflect your values and provide clarity to family members, making certain that your decisions are honored.
Once you know why living wills are essential, you’ll need to have a living wills attorney in Dunkirk, Maryland help you draft your will.
How We Help You Draft a Living Will
At the Law Offices of Julie A. Schejbal, CHTD, we believe that creating a living will should be a straightforward and empowering process. When you work with a living wills attorney in Dunkirk, Maryland, you’ll gain clarity about your options and confidence in your decisions. Here’s how we approach the drafting process:
Initial consultation: We start by discussing your healthcare values, goals, and any specific concerns you may have. This conversation lays the groundwork for a living will that accurately reflects your wishes. By understanding your priorities, we make certain the document aligns with your values.
Explanation of terms: Legal jargon can be intimidating, so we take the time to explain each component of the living will in plain language. You’ll know exactly what every clause means, eliminating confusion and empowering you to make informed choices.
Customized drafting: No two clients are the same, and your living will should be as unique as you are. We tailor the document to address your specific needs and circumstances, incorporating your individual preferences and any relevant medical history.
Review and revisions: Once the draft is complete, we’ll go over it with you to make sure it’s exactly what you want. Revisions are made as needed to confirm accuracy and satisfaction, giving you confidence that your wishes are clearly articulated.
Execution and storage: After your living will is finalized, we’ll guide you through the proper steps to make it legally binding. We’ll also discuss storage options to make sure the document is accessible when needed, such as sharing copies with healthcare agents and family members.
What Does a Living Wills Attorney in Dunkirk, Maryland Do?
Choosing a living wills attorney in Dunkirk, Maryland, means partnering with someone who understands the legal, medical, and emotional aspects of this process. At the Law Offices of Julie A. Schejbal, CHTD, we take pride in balancing professionalism with a personal touch.
Our goal is to make you feel comfortable discussing your wishes while addressing any legal concerns that arise.
We’re here to:
Answer your questions: Whether you’re unsure about specific medical treatments or the legal requirements for a living will, we’ll provide clear answers. This makes certain that you fully understand the choices you’re making.
Coordinate with healthcare providers: If needed, we can work with your doctors to confirm that your living will aligns with your medical history and treatment options. This collaboration helps create a seamless plan that reflects your wishes.
Update your documents: Life changes, and so do your preferences. We’re available to help you revise your living will as circumstances evolve, keeping it relevant and reflective of your current values.
Work alongside our attorneys and gain peace of mind as you finalize your living wills and advance directives.
Living Wills and Advance Directives
A living will is one part of a broader category known as advance directives. These documents work together to provide a comprehensive plan for your future healthcare.
While a living will specifies your treatment preferences, other advance directives, such as a durable power of attorney for healthcare, designate someone to make decisions on your behalf if you’re incapacitated.
We often recommend that clients create both a living will and a healthcare power of attorney. Together, these documents confirm that your medical care is handled according to your wishes, with a trusted person advocating for you when necessary.
Combining these tools provides both clarity and flexibility in managing your healthcare. Learn more about living wills with our helpful FAQs.
Common Questions About Living Wills
Do I need a lawyer to create a living will?
While it’s possible to draft a living will using templates or online tools, working with a living wills attorney in Dunkirk, Maryland, offers significant advantages. We’ll confirm the document complies with Maryland law and reflects your unique preferences.
Our guidance reduces the likelihood of disputes or confusion later on, providing you with peace of mind.
Can I change my living will?
Yes, you can update your living will at any time, as long as you’re mentally competent. We recommend reviewing it periodically, especially after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, or a significant health diagnosis. Regular updates make certain your living will remains relevant to your current situation.
Where should I store my living will?
Your living will should be accessible but secure. Consider providing copies to your healthcare agent, primary care physician, and close family members. We can also discuss other storage options, such as electronic health record systems or secure digital platforms, making certain it’s available when needed.
What happens if I don’t have a living will?
Without a living will, decisions about your medical care may fall to your family or healthcare providers. This can lead to conflicts or choices that don’t align with your values. Creating a living will puts you in control of these important decisions, confirming that your preferences are honored.
While choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions in your journey, you’ll also need to consider additional information when creating your will.
Additional Considerations for Living Wills
Creating a living will is not just about addressing immediate healthcare concerns; it’s also an opportunity to think about the broader context of your future well-being.
At the Law Offices of Julie A. Schejbal, CHTD, we encourage our clients to consider a range of factors when drafting their living wills. By taking a holistic approach, we can help you craft a document that not only outlines your medical preferences but also provides guidance for other critical aspects of care.
Incorporating Mental Health Directives
While living wills are often associated with physical health conditions, mental health directives can be equally important. These directives allow you to specify the type of care you wish to receive if you experience a mental health crisis.
For example, you might include preferences about psychiatric treatment, medications, or facility options. Addressing these issues in your living will can provide clarity for healthcare providers and loved ones, making sure your wishes are respected in every scenario.
Planning for Palliative and Hospice Care
Another vital consideration is how you wish to approach end-of-life care. Palliative and hospice care are designed to provide comfort and support during serious illnesses, focusing on quality of life rather than curative treatments. Including preferences for these types of care in your living will can help your healthcare team and family understand your priorities.
Discussing Your Living Will with Loved Ones
Once your living will is finalized, it’s essential to have open and honest conversations with your family and healthcare agents. These discussions can help alleviate misunderstandings and make certain everyone is on the same page regarding your wishes.
At the Law Offices of Julie A. Schejbal, CHTD, we provide guidance on how to approach these conversations with sensitivity and clarity. Taking this step now can prevent confusion and conflict later.
Long-Term Benefits of Living Wills
Reduces uncertainty: A living will provides clear instructions for your healthcare, making sure that loved ones and healthcare providers understand your preferences without the need for speculation.
Creates a roadmap: By outlining your medical wishes in advance, you establish a structured plan that can guide decisions during challenging situations, alleviating stress and confusion.
Minimizes emotional strain: Knowing your desires are documented can bring comfort to family members, sparing them from making difficult choices under pressure.
Addresses financial considerations: Clear directives can help prevent unnecessary medical interventions, reducing potential financial burdens on your estate and loved ones.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Julie A. Schejbal, CHTD?
Our firm’s commitment to excellence goes beyond technical knowledge. Julie A. Schejbal’s background with the IRS gives us a unique perspective on the financial implications of estate planning, including living wills. We’re known for our straightforward, approachable style, making even serious topics easier to discuss.
Located in Dunkirk, Maryland, we serve clients throughout Calvert County, Prince George’s County, Charles County, and St. Mary’s County.
If you’re looking for a living wills attorney in Dunkirk, Maryland, who values your input and provides personalized guidance, contact Law Offices Of Julie A Schejbal, CHTD. We’re ready to help.