With the Health Care Reform discussion, a key estate planning step is in the spotlight, that is Living Wills and Advanced Medical Directives. The WSJ.com has a piece on how important Advanced Medical Directives are, especially for people who juggle work and family. You can read the article here: Make Time to Create an Advanced Medical Directive.
The author of the article says that she "...implores readers to create an advanced medical directive, which details the kind of care you'd want if you are unable to voice your wishes."
I couldn't agree more.
In Michigan, your Advanced Medical Directives actually involves a few different documents. First, you need to have your Patient Advocate Designation. This form outlines who will be appointed and how they will make medical decisions if you become incapacitated. In Michigan, the Patient Advocate Designation also includes Living Will type language where you can make decisions with regard to remaining on life support.
Additionally, you will want to include a HIPAA Authorization form that allows the people you have appointed in your Michigan Patient Advocate Designation to access your medical records.
These Advanced Medical Directives are just one aspect of a comprehensive estate plan and should be prepared by an experienced Michigan estate planning attorney.
Christopher J. Berry, Esq., An Oakland County Probate and Estate Administration Lawyer, is a Partner with The Law Office of Witzke Berry PLLC, which practices in the areas of Estate Planning, Michigan Medicaid Planning, and Michigan Probate Litigation.Sign up for our Michigan Estate Planning Newsletter
