Healthcare directives.

These documents record what you would want, and who should speak for you, if you could not say so yourself.

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Healthcare preferences and decision-makers.

Record healthcare preferences and appoint someone to speak for you when you cannot communicate.

  • Goals

    Treatment preferences

  • Documents

    Appointing a healthcare decision-maker

  • Decision-makers

    Naming successors

  • Beneficiaries

    Access to medical information

  • Coordination

    Coordination with the rest of a plan

A few general points about these documents.

General information about how healthcare directives commonly work. Nothing here is medical or individual legal advice.

  1. Availability is what makes them work

    A directive nobody can produce at the moment it is needed does not do its job. Who holds a copy matters.

  2. The person should know

    Someone appointed to make healthcare decisions is generally better placed if they have heard your views directly.

  3. They coordinate with the wider plan

    Healthcare documents sit alongside financial authority, and the two should not contradict each other.

  4. They can be revisited

    Views change, and so do the people best placed to act. These documents can be updated.

Questions about healthcare directives.

These answers distinguish a living will, healthcare surrogate designation, treatment preferences, information access, copies, and plan coordination.

What is a living will?

A living will states a person’s wishes about life-prolonging procedures under the circumstances addressed by Florida law and the document. It guides healthcare providers and decision-makers when the person cannot communicate the decision.

What does a healthcare surrogate do?

A healthcare surrogate is authorized to make healthcare decisions within the designation and Florida law when the authority applies. The document can also name an alternate if the first surrogate is unavailable or unwilling.

What treatment preferences can be discussed in the planning process?

A person can discuss life-prolonging procedures, pain relief, comfort care, artificial nutrition or hydration, organ donation, preferred providers or facilities, religious concerns, and other values. The chosen document should reflect informed personal decisions.

Can the surrogate receive medical information?

A properly drafted designation can address access to health information needed to make decisions or assist the person. Separate authorization language may also be used so trusted people can receive information before decision-making authority is needed.

Who should receive copies of healthcare directives?

Copies can be shared with the surrogate and alternate, physicians, and relevant healthcare facilities, and a copy should be accessible in an emergency. The people named should know where the current documents are kept.

How do healthcare directives coordinate with other planning documents?

Healthcare directives address medical decisions, while a power of attorney addresses financial and legal authority and a trust governs trust property. Names, contact information, and assumptions across the documents should be consistent.

Client experiences.

Mary and her team were excellent from start to finish! Processes and clear expectations set from the first phone call. Real life past case experiences and advice without pushing your decisions one way or the other. Once you decide together the best course of action, Yali and Beatriz step in to handle details under the watchful guide of Mary. I was keep informed throughout the process while they worked behind the scenes. I had complete faith that no matter the outcome, they were on the ball! Honesty, integrity, professionalism, knowledge, dedication, and care led to the best possible outcome for my case. Thank you, Colina Law, for all your efforts! I hope I never need you again haha... but I surely will refer you to anyone who may. For those reading.... estate planning is now being offered as well so get your affairs in order.... because accidents happen.Gina RussenGoogle Review
I've been to several law firms and have had to deal with different lawyers and professionals in the field. I suppose that as an entrepreneur, it's part of the game, where problems are inevitable. But I've never experienced the level of follow-up and commitment, both personally and to my case in general, that I received from this great law firm, Colina Law. 100% recommended. Professionalism, one-on-one follow-up, transparency, and outstanding service. Thank you for your excellent work.Iosvany Relova reinosoGoogle Review
I am not one to ask for help I fancy myself wonder woman and take care of everything on my own. Then suddenly within seconds, my life changed. The actions of another driver disrupted my life completely. I needed help. I did not have the physical ability or time to deal with insurance companies. I have an autistic son who has severe medical issues, and I was caring for my mother who passed away two Months after the accident. I did not have the physical or emotional strength to do battle with the insurance companies. Thankfully I was Referred to Mary Colina and once I spoke with her, I knew everything would be okay. She instantly helped me resolve immediate issues allowing me to concentrate on taking care of my health and my family. I cannot say enough about the team she has assembled at the Colina Law group. The team is communicative, supportive, and most importantly caring. I can’t thank them enough for fighting for me and having my back during such a difficult time. Things will never be the same but I am thankful more than they could ever know for all they have done! Thank you!Lana CurranGoogle Review
Without a doubt, the best representation I've ever had in my life. Thank you so much for helping me with my case.victor manuel lopez cumaresGoogle Review
I want to express my deepest appreciation to Colina Law, Mary, and her staff who represented me during my car accident case. They did an outstanding job from start to finish. Their professionalism, constant communication, and genuine care made a difficult situation so much easier to navigate. They always kept me informed, answered my questions promptly, and ensured I felt supported throughout the entire process. Their dedication and attention to detail truly set them apart. I am extremely grateful for their hard work and highly recommend this team to anyone in need of reliable, compassionate, and skilled legal representation. For our Latino community! COLINA LAW, the best lawyer in all of Southwest Florida! If you are looking for legal representation, go to Mary Colina and her team. They did an exceptional job from beginning to end. Their professionalism, constant communication, and genuine concern made a difficult situation much more bearable. They always kept me informed, answered my questions promptly, and made sure I felt supported throughout the entire process. Their dedication and attention to detail truly set them apart. I am extremely grateful for their hard work and highly recommend this team to anyone needing reliable, compassionate, and expert legal representation. Thank you so much!Iracema MichelicheGoogle Review
I had the pleasure of working with Beatriz Thomas at Colina Law for the closing of my property sale. Beatriz was extremely professional, prompt, and really made the process easy from start to finish. She handled all communication with ease between the title company and real estate agents. I would recommend this law firm to handle your real estate closing needs!Mallory HolmesGoogle Review

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