Adults in Montana can create an assortment of different estate planning documents. Many people focus primarily on testamentary documents. They create trusts or draft wills to establish a specific legacy. Others worry about their vulnerability as they age or if they experience a medical emergency. An advance directive is an important legal instrument discussing someone’s medical preferences.
In the event of a medical emergency resulting in incapacity or death, an advance directive provides clear instructions about an individual’s preferences. What matters do people frequently discuss in a Montana advance directive?
Healthcare preferences
There are many different types of treatment available in specific circumstances. Sometimes, people’s personal wishes or belief systems influence what types of medical care they want to receive in an emergency. An advance directive allows people to clarify their wishes regarding pain management, life support and any other important medical care considerations. Particularly when someone’s wishes may deviate from current medical standards, having an advance directive exploring those preferences can be useful.
Designation of a health care representative
If someone becomes incapacitated or incapable of communicating on their own behalf, they may need someone else to advocate for them while they are in the hospital. A spouse often has the authority to speak on behalf of their partner in a medical emergency. However, many people find it difficult to deal with that authority while coping with a spouse’s medical emergency.
Many people authorize a health care representative who they trust to manage their medical affairs to protect their spouse from that obligation. Those without spouses may also need to name a representative because they may not have anyone to act on their behalf unless they authorize someone to do so.
Instructions for after someone dies
An advance directive can also include important guidance for what happens after someone passes away in a healthcare facility. They can provide clear guidance regarding their preference in relation to anatomical gifts. They can also provide basic instructions regarding the care of their body and funeral matters.
The creation of an advanced directive can provide someone with peace of mind and can take the pressure off of their loved ones in an emergency. Adding supplementary documents to a Montana estate plan can be a smart move for people in a variety of situations.
