Living Wills Attorney in Vineland, New Jersey
Imagine this: Your loved one suffers from a condition that puts them in a permanent state of unconsciousness. You and the rest of the family are now faced with some tough decisions regarding the loved one’s healthcare. Since the loved one never expressed their wishes regarding medical treatments and end-of-life care, you may doubt every decision you make.
This can be an emotionally taxing experience for everyone. Is this a situation you’d want your family members to be in? If you answered, “no,” then you should consider creating a living will, as this document details your desires regarding future medical care in circumstances when you’re no longer able to express informed consent.
At Law Office of Victor Druziako, P.C., we recognize the importance of ensuring that your wishes are respected during critical moments when you might not be able to communicate them yourself. A living will is a pivotal document that safeguards your medical preferences and provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
Our living wills attorney in Vineland, New Jersey, can help you create a document that clearly states your wishes and leaves no room for confusion to eliminate your loved ones’ burden of making difficult medical decisions when the time comes.
What Is a Living Will?
A living will, often part of an advance directive, is a legal document that communicates your preferences regarding medical treatments and life-sustaining measures in the event that you cannot convey your decisions due to incapacity. While it doesn't assign a decision-maker, it serves to guide your healthcare providers and family regarding your wishes.
What’s the Purpose of Drafting a Living Will?
The primary purpose of a living will is to make your healthcare preferences clear, reducing the emotional burden on your family during tough times. It is designed to:
Ensure your medical treatment desires are followed;
Alleviate stress on loved ones by preventing guesswork about your wishes; and
Provide clear instructions to healthcare professionals.
At Law Office of Victor Druziako, P.C., we emphasize the importance of having these decisions documented to prevent potential disputes and to ensure peace of mind for both you and your family.
Difference Between General Will and Living Will
A general will (or last will and testament) determines how your assets will be distributed after you pass away. In contrast, a living will specifies your healthcare preferences while you're still alive but unable to communicate due to terminal illness or incapacitation. Both documents are crucial components of comprehensive estate planning but serve distinct purposes.
The Law Office of Victor Druziako, P.C., can guide you through both processes, working to ensure that your estate and healthcare wishes are clearly documented and legally sound.
When Is a Living Will Necessary?
A living will becomes essential in situations where you may not be able to articulate your desires, such as:
Anticipation of terminal illness or incapacity
Serious injury that leaves you unable to communicate
Persistent vegetative state
Long-term unconsciousness
When you work with our Vineland living wills attorney at the Law Office of Victor Druziako, P.C., he will help you make sure that your living will is detailed and comprehensive, covering all potential scenarios, so your wishes are respected and followed.
What Can Be Included in a Living Will?
In a living will, you can address various medical treatments like:
Resuscitation (CPR)
Mechanical ventilation
Tube feeding
Dialysis
Organ donation
Pain management and palliative care
This document reflects your values and preferences, emphasizing what you do and do not want in terms of medical care. At our law firm, we work closely with you to ensure that your living will reflects your values and beliefs, offering you the flexibility to address various medical situations.
The Requirements for a Valid Living Will in New Jersey
To ensure that your living will is valid in New Jersey, it must:
Be written clearly;
Be signed by you or someone authorized to sign on your behalf; and
Be witnessed by two adults who are not beneficiaries of your estate or related by blood or marriage.
These are the requirements that apply to advance directives in New Jersey, according to the state’s Department of Health. And since living wills are a type of advance directive, these requirements also apply to them.
Our living wills attorney at the Law Office of Victor Druziako, P.C., in New Jersey will strive to ensure that all legal protocols are meticulously followed, providing you with a living will that stands up to scrutiny and effectively communicates your healthcare wishes to medical professionals and loved ones.
What Happens When a Person Does Not Have a Living Will?
Without a living will, your medical care preferences might not be known, leaving these critical decisions up to family members or healthcare providers. This situation can lead to conflicts and stress during an already difficult time. In the absence of a living will, it’s not uncommon for healthcare providers to follow standard medical protocols, which might not align with the patient’s preferences.
Why Choose the Law Office of Victor Druziako, P.C., When Drafting a Living Will?
With over 37 years of experience, we provide:
Personal attention: We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and wishes.
Direct communication: You will be always in one-on-one contact with our attorney, not paralegals.
Empathetic service: We approach your concerns with compassion and understanding.
Stellar testimonials: Our clients' satisfaction speaks volumes about our commitment to excellent service.
Free consultations: We're here to help you make informed decisions without any initial cost.
If you're considering drafting a living will, we're here to provide the guidance and support you need. Contact the Law Office of Victor Druziako, P.C. today for a free consultation and take the first step towards ensuring your healthcare wishes are known and honored. Our firm serves clients in Vineland, New Jersey, and throughout South Jersey.