Comprehensive estate planning today includes elder law and other strategies that help protect your assets and interests if you experience cognitive decline or incapacity. Have you thought about protecting your mental health and care if you can't advocate for yourself? Based on the Trust & Will article “Guide to Psychiatric Advance Directives - What You Need to Know,” we explore psychiatric advance directives (PADs), their purpose, and how to establish them.
You might not have heard of psychiatric advance directives (PADs). However, they might be an important strategy in your estate plan. PADs are instructions and preferences for your mental health care. Similar to a living will or advance medical directives, PADs are a legal document outlining your preferences for psychiatric treatment should you become unable to make decisions due to a mental illness crisis. Picture it as your roadmap, guiding healthcare providers on your treatment choices, from medications to therapies, even during challenging times when communication might be difficult.
Psychological and physical health are essential for an individual's overall wellness. Psychiatric advance directives proactively communicate your psychological treatment preferences, empowering an advocate for your mental health care.
Consider it a letter of instructions to a trusted friend or family member and your healthcare team, ensuring that your wishes are respected and understood regarding your choice of psychiatric provider and mental health facility.
You probably know about advance medical directives and medical powers of attorney in estate planning. Most PADs have these two components. It's crucial to meet state-specific requirements, such as being of legal age and having witnesses. Remember, PADs come into effect when you're determined unable to make mental health decisions, often by a qualified mental health professional.
Estate planning for cognitive decline requires careful consideration and proactive measures to protect vulnerable individuals from fraud and financial exploitation. Families can confidently navigate these challenges by understanding legal safeguards, assessing capacity, and seeking expert guidance. If you want to safeguard the economic welfare of your vulnerable loved ones, we can help. Contact The Werner Law Firm living trust lawyers for a free consultation.
If you have any questions, schedule a free appointment with us through our online appointment page.
You can also read reviews from some of the hundreds of clients we have helped over the years.
Reference: Trust & Will “Guide to Psychiatric Advance Directives - What You Need to Know,”
Founded in 1975 by L. Rob Werner, The Werner Law Firm and our dedicated attorneys are available for clients, friends, and family members to receive the legal help they need and deserve. You can trust in our experience and reputation to help navigate you through your unique legal matters.
Hiring a lawyer can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. From the moment you contact our firm, through the final resolution of your matter, our goal is to make the process easy and understandable. Through our Werner Law Firm Difference, our goal is to have you feel like a burden was lifted from your shoulders, and that we made the whole process an easy one
If you’re looking into taking care of your estate planning, we urge you to schedule a free initial appointment today and join the many satisfied clients who have contacted Werner Law Firm.
