Advance Healthcare Directive · Thousand Oaks, California
Decide who speaks for you.
Before anyone has to ask.
An Advance Healthcare Directive lets a person you trust make medical decisions on your behalf if and when you become incapacitated. It does one job only, and it does it when nothing else can.
Our Clients Share Their Experience
We had an outstanding experience working with DRS Law and David Schneider (David) on our estate planning. From the very beginning, David took the time to educate us on what an estate is and explained all the associated terminology in a way that was easy to understand. His thorough approach made us feel both comfortable and confident throughout the entire process.
After preparing our estate, he carefully reviewed it with us page by page, ensuring that all our questions were answered. His patience, professionalism, and dedication to making sure we fully understood everything were truly impressive.
If you are considering estate planning, we highly recommend DRS Law. David and his team provide exceptional service, making what can feel like a complicated process smooth and stress-free. We are grateful for their guidance and expertise!
Client experiences reflect individual circumstances. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
The Document That Speaks When You Cannot
This Directive grants a power of attorney, or agency, which is durable in that the person to whom it is given can make health care decisions on your behalf if and when you become incapacitated.
Without one, the court may appoint a conservator to make those decisions instead. That process can be time consuming and expensive, and it may not reflect your wishes. A Directive only works if it is prepared and signed before incapacity, which is why it belongs in every estate plan.
Durable, and Special
Both words are doing real work. Together they explain what makes this document different from a general power of attorney.
Durable
It survives your incapacity
Unlike a general power of attorney, your Durable Power of Attorney does not start until you are determined to be incapacitated, and it will survive your incapacity.
It stays dormant until it is needed, then remains valid for as long as it is needed.
Special
It covers medical decisions only
It is “special” in that it gives its holder only the right to make decisions regarding medical attention and services.
The holder cannot use this power of attorney for any other purpose.
What Your Healthcare Agent Can Decide
Your agent can make essentially all of the medical decisions you would make for yourself if you were able. The authority stops there.
Your Agent Can…
- Make treatment choices on your behalf.
- Select your healthcare providers.
- Make decisions concerning “Do Not Resuscitate” orders.
- Make decisions on orders to avoid heroics or extraordinary measures in terminally ill patients.
- Communicate with medical providers during an emergency.
Your Agent Cannot…
- Use this power of attorney for any other purpose.
- Make financial decisions on your behalf.
- Act before you are medically determined to be incapacitated.
- Override instructions you set out in the document itself.
Your healthcare wishes deserve to be heard. Let David R. Schneider help you create an Advance Healthcare Directive so you and your loved ones can face the future with clarity and peace of mind.
TIMING
When an Advance Healthcare Directive Takes Effect
Signed in Advance
The document is prepared and signed while you are able to make your own decisions. It does nothing at this stage.
Incapacity Is Determined
It takes effect only when you are medically determined to be incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself.
It Stays Valid
It continues to be valid throughout any period of incapacity, for as long as it is needed.
Our Approach
We believe our clients may not always know what questions to ask. It’s our responsibility to ensure all your concerns are addressed, even those you may not think to ask. Our personalized approach guarantees that every aspect of your estate planning is meticulously covered.
Direct Attorney Access
Every client works with David Schneider personally for all legal matters, never passed off to a paralegal or associate.
California-Wide Probate
We handle probate proceedings throughout California via remote court appearances, saving you travel, time, and money.
Educational Approach
“It is impossible to know what you do not know.” David takes the time to explain so you can make fully informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Advance Healthcare Directive Questions
What exactly is an Advance Healthcare Directive and why do I need one?
An Advance Healthcare Directive is a legal document that allows someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. It is essential because it ensures your healthcare wishes are followed when you cannot communicate them yourself, and it prevents confusion or conflicts among family members during medical emergencies. This is a Durable Power of Attorney for health care decisions.
When does an Advance Healthcare Directive take effect?
An Advance Healthcare Directive only takes effect when you are medically determined to be incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself. Unlike a general power of attorney, it remains dormant until needed and continues to be valid throughout any periods of incapacity.
Who should I choose as my healthcare agent?
Choose a trusted family member or close friend who understands your values and wishes regarding medical care. This person should be willing to advocate for your healthcare preferences, remain calm under pressure, and be readily available to communicate with medical providers during emergencies.
What medical decisions can my healthcare agent make for me?
Your healthcare agent can make all medical decisions, including treatment choices, selecting healthcare providers, and making end of life decisions such as Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders, essentially all of the decisions you would make for yourself if you were able. They cannot, however, use this power for non-medical purposes like financial decisions.
Integrity and Experience at the Core of Our Legal Services
With decades of professional experience, David R. Schneider, APC blends deep community ties with a wealth of experience. From running a successful business to excelling in the legal field with top grades and honors, David’s extensive knowledge ensures comprehensive and trusted legal support. His lifelong commitment to the Conejo Valley and its residents is your assurance of reliable and heartfelt service. Choose a legacy of excellence for your legal needs.