San Antonio Living Will and Advance Directive Attorneys

Professional Assistance with Advance Directives in Bexar County and the Surrounding Areas

In Texas, an “advance directive” is a legal document that allows individuals to establish binding instructions regarding medical treatment and decisions in the event they become unable to communicate those wishes themselves. These documents serve as an important tool for guiding healthcare providers and loved ones when making critical choices about medical care. One of the most prominent types of advance directives is a “living will,” which can address end-of-life care.

Anyone can become suddenly incapacitated, even if you are in good health, so it’s always a smart idea to have advance directives in place. At Weisinger Law Firm, we can talk through your preferences and help you draft and finalize enforceable documents that reflect your wishes in these scenarios. We can also assist you with other essential elements of your estate plan so that you can enjoy peace of mind. 

Unforeseen circumstances can strike at any time, so don’t wait to contact us online or call (830) 742-0538 to schedule a consultation with our San Antonio living will and advance directive lawyers.

What is a Living Will?

A living will – also known as a “directive to physicians” – is a common type of advance directive. Specifically, this document allows you to direct your physician to comply with your wishes concerning end-of-life treatment. Through your living will, you can state whether you want doctors to continue to provide life-sustaining treatment if you are suffering from a terminal condition or an irreversible condition. 

Terminal Conditions

An injury or illness is considered “terminal” if it’s incurable and, according to reasonable medical judgment, will produce death within six months, even with available life-sustaining treatment provided in accordance with the prevailing standard of medical care.

Irreversible Conditions

An injury or illness is “irreversible” if it can be treated but is never cured or eliminated, it leaves a person unable to care for or make decisions for themselves, and it is fatal without life-sustaining treatment provided in accordance with the prevailing standard of medical care. Unlike terminal conditions, irreversible conditions have no time limits. A person with an irreversible condition would be able to live indefinitely as long as they receive the necessary medical treatment.

Other Types of Advance Directives

We recognize that thinking about scenarios where you become so ill or injured that you cannot communicate isn’t pleasant. You understandably may not be able to anticipate every possible circumstance that might warrant proactive estate planning. That’s where our team at Weisinger Law Firm comes in. We can discuss your specific concerns and walk you through your options for creating enforceable instructions in a variety of situations. 

Our San Antonio living will and advance directive attorneys can assist you with many types of documents, including:

• Medical power of attorney. A medical power of attorney designates a trusted individual, often referred to as an agent, to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the person creating the directive. This advance directive is activated when the individual becomes incapacitated and cannot make decisions independently. The agent is authorized to discuss treatment options with healthcare professionals and provide consent or refusal for specific procedures based on the individual's wishes. Choosing an agent requires careful consideration, as this person will be responsible for making highly personal and potentially life-altering decisions.
• Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate (OOH-DNR) order. An OOH-DNR order is intended for individuals who do not want to be resuscitated should they stop breathing and their heart stops beating. This directive is often used by individuals with terminal illnesses or those for whom resuscitation would cause unnecessary suffering. The OOH-DNR order directs emergency medical personnel, nurses, and other providers not to perform specific life-saving procedures, such as defibrillation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It does not prevent responders from providing other types of emergency treatment, including pain medication.
• Declaration for Mental Health Treatment. This document enables individuals to make choices regarding mental health care, including preferences for emergency treatment, convulsive therapy, and psychoactive medication. This directive is particularly valuable for individuals with a history of mental health conditions, as it provides guidance for treatment during periods when they may be unable to communicate their preferences.

Our living will and advance directive lawyers in San Antonio, TX, can help you explore and understand your options for enforcing your wishes should you become unable to communicate. Call (830) 742-0538 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation today!