An advanced directive which documents your wishes regarding specific medical care should always be put in writing. Every state has different requirements and forms for making this a legal document. A form might need to be notarized or signed by a witness depending on where you live. Consult with an experienced estate planning lawyer in their area to learn more. Once you have completed your advanced directive in MI, there are several things you need to do with them, which include:
- Providing a copy to your physician
- Keeping the original documents in a safe place, one that can be easily accessed
- Providing a copy to any of your health care agents
- Keep a clear record of everyone who has received a copy
- Inform important people in your life, such as your family members, about your health care wishes and who is responsible for making these decisions per your advanced directives
- Carry a wallet sized card that indicates who your health care agent is, that you have an advance directive, and where copies of your directives can be found
- Maintain a copy with you during times when you are traveling
Although you certainly hope that you never need to activate this document in a time of duress, it is important to make things easier for your chosen health care agent to draft this well in advance and to complete the above-named steps. This will make it easier for your agent to spring into action if and when necessary.
You can schedule a meeting with a Michigan estate planning attorney today.