May 1, 2010 12:00 PM

Advance Health Care Directives

No two clients are alike. Real life stories show why standard forms don't do the trick

I've counseled thousands of clients about the need for advance directives as an integral, critical component of an estate plan. Advance directives can be the most important document a client signs. If difficult health care decisions are to be made, nothing can be more critical. In addition to addressing the most fundamental questions about life-sustaining treatment, advance directives are living, breathing documents that give our clients an opportunity to express themselves creatively.

I've represented individuals and families in a number of “right to die” court cases,1 I've served on ethics committees and represented hospitals and nursing homes in health care decision-making matters. But every time I think I've seen it all, another unique circumstance comes along. That's why I don't believe in using simple, standard form advance directives.

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