Artificial Nutrition and Hydration
You can specify under which exact circumstances you would want feeding tubes or IV fluids withdrawn.
In California, the term “Living Will” is frequently used by families to describe their specific preferences for end-of-life medical care. While often searched for as a standalone document, a Living Will is technically a foundational component of the Advance Health Care Directive. Its primary purpose is to provide legal instructions regarding the use of life-sustaining treatments if you are unable to communicate due to a terminal condition or permanent unconsciousness.
At the Law Offices of W. Steven Chou, we understand that these decisions are deeply personal. Serving clients across Orange and Los Angeles counties for over 25 years, Attorney Steven Chou helps you articulate your values with clarity, ensuring your dignity is preserved without the need for court intervention.
It is common for clients to ask whether they need both a Living Will and an Advance Health Care Directive. In California, the Advance Directive is the “umbrella” document. Understanding the relationship between these entities is key to a robust plan:
By focusing on the Living Will portion of your planning, you provide the evidence of intent that your healthcare agent and doctors need to honor your wishes.
A well-drafted Living Will for an affluent California estate often goes beyond basic life-support questions. We help you address sophisticated scenarios that impact both your medical care and the financial preservation of your estate:
With a primary focus on families in Irvine, La Palma, and Cerritos, Attorney Chou recognizes that medical decisions are often influenced by cultural and religious values. As a bilingual attorney, he offers the unique ability to discuss these sensitive topics in both English and Chinese. This ensures that the nuances of your “final instructions” are understood by all generations of your family, preventing potential conflicts during emotional times.
Furthermore, we ensure your Living Will is executed according to the strict standards of the California Probate Code. Whether through notarization or the use of qualified witnesses, we make sure your document is legally unassailable and ready for use in any Southern California medical facility.
A Living Will is more than a legal form; it is a gift of certainty to your loved ones. By documenting your choices today, you protect your family from the burden of making impossible decisions without your guidance.
Do you have clear instructions in place for your end-of-life care?
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be construed as legal advice for any individual or for any situation or case. The information provided is neither intended to create an attorney-client privilege, nor does viewing this website create an attorney-client privilege.