B
O
C
LIVING WILLS
Living wills or “health care directives” are for adults of all
ages, not just the elderly. Some of the most famous cases about
the right to die have involved young people. Our attorneys
understand that thinking about these very sensitive life and
death issues can be complex, emotional and agonizing for you
and your family. We will support and help guide you through
your decision. Our attorneys will draft a proper living will
containing your expressed wishes.
Massachusetts allow you to decline aggressive life support if you
are close to death, without affecting your right to get pain
medicine or other “comfort care.” You may also express your
views by writing them down. Talk with your family and doctor to
give them ideas of what types of medical conditions you would or
would not want continued treatment.
There are good reasons to write down your wishes about
end-of-life medical care:
Massachusetts law allow people to revoke or cancel their living
wills. In addition to your attorney, you should tell your doctor and
your family when you revoke or cancel a living will. If possible,
send them something in writing.
No amount of planning can cover all the problems that might
arise when we get sick. But a living will can help you and your
family when heart-breaking decisions need to be made.
After Your Living Will is Drafted
Once it's signed, in addition to your attorney, give a copy of your
living will to:
Finally, you can put a card in your wallet that says you have a
living will and whom to call to get a copy. If you’re going into a
hospital, bring a copy of your living will with you. Even if you sent
a copy to the medical records department, it might take time for
the doctors to realize it is there.
DISCLAIMER:
This web site is designed for general information only. The
information presented at this site should not be construed to be
formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client
relationship.
Living wills or “health care directives” are for adults of all
ages, not just the elderly. Some of the most famous cases about
the right to die have involved young people. Our attorneys
understand that thinking about these very sensitive life and
death issues can be complex, emotional and agonizing for you
and your family. We will support and help guide you through
your decision. Our attorneys will draft a proper living will
containing your expressed wishes.
Massachusetts allow you to decline aggressive life support if you
are close to death, without affecting your right to get pain
medicine or other “comfort care.” You may also express your
views by writing them down. Talk with your family and doctor to
give them ideas of what types of medical conditions you would or
would not want continued treatment.
There are good reasons to write down your wishes about
end-of-life medical care:
- You might be too sick to express yourself when the time
comes
- Your family might disagree about what to do, which
leaves doctors in a difficult position and more likely to keep
you on life support
- You can help your family with the really difficult decision
of whether or not to take you off life support
- Living wills often include legal protection for doctors and
hospitals, so they don’t get sued for honoring your request
Massachusetts law allow people to revoke or cancel their living
wills. In addition to your attorney, you should tell your doctor and
your family when you revoke or cancel a living will. If possible,
send them something in writing.
No amount of planning can cover all the problems that might
arise when we get sick. But a living will can help you and your
family when heart-breaking decisions need to be made.
After Your Living Will is Drafted
Once it's signed, in addition to your attorney, give a copy of your
living will to:
- Your regular physician
- Family members
- Close friends
- The hospital you’re likely to use. You can mail it to their
medical records department, with a cover letter that gives
your date of birth and your Social Security number. Verify
that they have received the document and have a record
of it.
- If you are in a nursing home or are seeing a medical
specialist for a serious illness, they should get a copy as
well.
Finally, you can put a card in your wallet that says you have a
living will and whom to call to get a copy. If you’re going into a
hospital, bring a copy of your living will with you. Even if you sent
a copy to the medical records department, it might take time for
the doctors to realize it is there.
DISCLAIMER:
This web site is designed for general information only. The
information presented at this site should not be construed to be
formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client
relationship.
BOGLE
OKOYE
CHANG
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BOGLE & OKOYE, LLC
Copyright © 2008 Bogle & Okoye, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Blog: "Living Wills"
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