What are they and why do I need them? Advanced directives are documents that include the Living Will and Designation of Health Care Surrogate. A Living Will is a document in which you can indicate what level of life-sustaining procedures you wish to have in the event you are in an end-of-life scenario. This document is essential as it provides doctors and hospitals and understanding of your wishes, even if you are unable to tell them at the time. It is a legally enforceable document. The Living Will also alleviates the burden of decision-making by loved ones. The Designation of Health Care Surrogate is a document whereby you designate a trusted individual to make medical-related decisions for you while you are unable to do so. This is also a legally enforceable document, and provides doctors and hospitals a point of contact for your medical care. Contact your attorney for additional information regarding these documents.

-Emily A. Helmick, Esq.