All adults living in Manhattan or other places in the state retain the right to make their own medical decisions. This can be in contrast to what their family wishes for them or even what a doctor recommends. As long as a person remains in sound mind to understand the information that they receive, all other parties must respect their wishes.
However, situations do arise where an individual is no longer able to make these choices. When this occurs, family members may step in, or courts may order treatment that is contrary to what the patient may have wanted. To prevent this outcome, it is possible to enact a living will. Living wills in Manhattan inform family members, doctors, and courts about what medical care you want under specific situations. This can include life-sustaining treatment, experimental care, or other invasive procedures. A skilled attorney could help you draft a living will that meets legal requirements and properly expresses your wishes.
Living wills are legal documents that comprise an essential part of a comprehensive estate plan. In simple terms, a living will informs all necessary parties about one’s wishes for medical care in the future should they be unable to articulate those wishes due to illness or injury.
According to Kansas Statute § 65-28,103, this declaration must be in writing, contain the maker’s signature, contain a date, and include the signatures of at least two witnesses. Alternatively, a person signing a living will may do so in front of a notary public to avoid the witness requirement. The same statute also provides a sample form that individuals may use as a living will. However, every living will in Manhattan should be unique and reflect a person’s specific wishes.
The idea of consent is central to all medical treatment. Doctors can only provide care to a patient if that patient has a full comprehension of what that doctor is going to do. Unfortunately, situations often arise where an individual is unable to fully understand what is happening to them and can no longer make an informed decision. When this occurs, family members often step in to provide guidance to doctors as to what they think is the appropriate course of action.
Having a valid living will in place can help avoid these situations. A living will can provide strict instructions concerning what treatment a person wants under a variety of scenarios. In a direct example, a Manhattan living will can inform doctors that a person does not want to be placed on life support should they be unable to breathe on their own. In addition, living wills can provide guidance concerning a variety of treatments that cover a wide array of scenarios. Ultimately, living wills help people to retain control and dignity should illnesses or injuries leave them unable to speak their minds in regard to medical care.
Keeping control over your body is an essential portion of your legal rights. Only you have the ability and right to make medical decisions, and doctors and family members must defer to your judgment. However, if an injury or illness makes those decisions impossible, it is essential to have a living will in place that makes your wishes clear.
To learn more about drafting living wills in Manhattan and how these documents function, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney today. A dedicated member of our team could help you understand your options and work with you to draft a document that reflects your wishes.
