Advance Directives
The Wall Street Journal recently ran a nice article on the importance of Advance Directives including Living Wills and Health Care Powers of Attorney. These documents are used to inform medical providers, family and others of your wishes regarding your care when you are not able to communicate with them. Washington State has a prescribed form Living Will, however, you are allowed to add more detail and guidance to the form. Equally important is the Health Care Power of Attorney by which you select an individual, often a spouse or adult child, to make medical decisions on your behalf. These documents are often included in a comprehensive estate plan.
