Advance Directives Plan. Protect. Prosper.

Grand Rapids Advance Directive Lawyer

Estate planning goes far beyond plans for transferring property to loved ones after your death. At Inhulsen Law, we want you to have the proper healthcare treatment during your lifetime.

Incorporating healthcare directives into your plan is one step we can take to protect you in case you are ever unable to communicate your care preferences or treatment authorization. 

Because accidents and illnesses can cause medical emergencies at any time, it is wise for all adults to have healthcare directives prepared in advance. 

Request a complimentary consultation with a Grand Rapids advance directive firm by calling (616) 345-2810 or reaching us by email. 

Components of Healthcare Directives

Healthcare or advance directives typically consist of two main components. The first is a durable power of attorney for healthcare, also called a medical power of attorney.

The second is a living will, which differs from a traditional last will and testament.

Healthcare Power of Attorney 

A durable power of attorney for healthcare is a document that authorizes someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated and unable to make or communicate decisions.

With this legally binding document, you can avoid unnecessary delays in receiving critical care; your designated person can quickly decide and authorize treatment.

The person you choose to make decisions for you—sometimes known as a health care agent or patient advocate–does not need to be an attorney or have special training. However, you should choose someone you trust to make decisions that you would want. 

It is crucial to have detailed discussions with your prospective agent. They need to understand explicitly the types of treatment you would or would not want in specific situations. 

For example, if you were in a coma-causing severe car accident and needed immediate medical intervention, your doctors would have clear guidance on your specific healthcare preferences, including potential life-sustaining treatment. 

Living Wills 

Unlike a traditional will, which distributes property after your death, a living will deals with medical and care decisions during your lifetime. This document describes your preferences for life-extending medical care if you are suffering from a serious medical condition and not expected to recover. 

In situations where you cannot speak for yourself, your living will can explain what types of treatment you would and would not want to receive. For instance, you might wish to take pain medication but not artificial feeding.

In Michigan, living wills do not have the independent legal effect they do in many other jurisdictions. However, these documents provide crucial guidance to your healthcare agent or patient advocate about the decisions that should be made on your behalf. 

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    “My wife and I had a very positive experience working with Inhulsen Law to update our Will and to put our assets into Living Trusts. The process is very thorough and they take a no-pressure approach to understanding your needs and will give you multiple options, explaining the benefits of each. They use a model where no question is a bad question and will break down what can seem like a complicated process into an easy to understand format. They take a very personal approach to getting to know you and your needs and we never felt rushed, pressured, or confused throughout the whole process. If you want an Attorney who values their clients seeking a long term relationship with you, you should work with Inhulsen Law.”
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    “I had an excellent experience working with John on our estate planning. He took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all of our questions, and made what initially felt overwhelming into a smooth and stress-free process. We truly appreciated his attention to detail, professionalism, and ability to tailor the plan to our family’s specific needs. We now feel confident knowing everything is in order. We highly recommend John Inhulsen to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and caring estate planning attorney.”
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    “Answer to prayer! My husband and I finally decided it was time to put a Trust and Will in place. It was unnerving to think about estate planning because we did not know who to talk to, where to start or what to expect. Thankfully, after searching the internet for a law firm, we discovered Inhulsen Law. We were more than impressed with the outstanding reviews! Setting up an appointment with John was simple and quick. The entire process was explained to us in an uncomplicated way. In our first meeting with John it was apparent to us that he has a genuine interest in building relationships with people and helping them obtain their goals. John's character is stellar and his knowledge of the law is extensive. It feels good to have a law firm you can trust and someone like John you can reach out to and feel confident he will point you in the right direction.”
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    - Ted L.

Directives Tailored to Your Specifications

At Inhulsen Law, we take the time to explain the components and options available so that you can make informed choices to fit your preferences. We want you to feel comfortable and confident with your directives. 

If you need to change or revoke your healthcare documents, you can do so at any time, as long as you remain legally competent. Changes can include your treatment preferences or a different agent. With our help, you can feel secure and confident that your wishes will be respected through thoughtful planning and legal-binding documents. 

Call (616) 345-2810 or submit our online contact form for a complimentary consultation. 

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