Peck Ritchey, LLC > Elder Law > End-of-Life Planning

Chicago End-of-Life Planning Attorney

The advances that have been made in medicine over the last century have allowed the medical establishment to significantly prolong the span of life, even in the face of serious illness or an otherwise unsustainable physical decline. As much comfort as some may be able to find in the capabilities of modern medicine, many others wish to exert more control over the kind of care and treatment they are willing to undergo as their health begins to fade.

When it comes to end-of-life planning, there’s a significant disconnect between adults of all ages between knowing what they should do and actually following through in doing it. In fact, the Institute of Healthcare Improvement found that while 90 percent of U.S. adults believe end-of-life life planning is important, only 30 percent are actually doing it. That’s because, no matter how far off it is, humans aren’t always thrilled to talk about death and dying. And while this topic can cause sadness and fear, taking action and planning for tough decisions now can give individuals a sense of control.

At Peck Ritchey, LLC, our Chicago end-of-life planning attorneys understand just how important it can be to make these decisions while you are still healthy, and we have the experience and resources that you will need to make informed, enforceable decisions about what kind of care and treatment you will be willing to undergo when you get older and your health begins to fail. Though decisions that you will need to make during this process may seem far removed from your present circumstances, it is important that these documents are created sooner than later.

Why You Need an Attorney?

While it may never seem like the right moment to think about the end of your life and what will happen to you and your loved ones when you are gone, this is a crucial step in protecting your future. You may think you can handle this process on your own, but the truth is, you need someone with the necessary experience and expertise to ensure every area and detail is covered. Above all, you want a professional guiding you every step of the way to help you make important decisions about the future for the day you can’t make the decision on your own.

Unless you have a background or experience in estate planning, it can be difficult to complete this process without making a mistake or forgetting a crucial aspect of the end-of-life planning process. And a mistake here can have serious ramifications on your living will and healthcare power of attorney. As you near the end of your life, you should be focusing on spending time with loved ones and making the most of each day, not worrying about whether you followed every state law and statute. By hiring a professional end-of-life planning attorney, you can be at peace knowing that your future and legacy are taken care of.

Call Peck Ritchey, LLC today at (312) 201-0900 to discuss your end-of-life planning wishes.

Why Choose Us?

At Peck Ritchey, LLC, we know that the end-of-life planning process can be daunting and we know you have a lot of questions. That’s why we take the time to sit down with every person who chooses to partner with us to talk about the future and how we can do everything possible to make the last years of your life free of stress and surprises.

The Chicago end-of-life planning attorneys know that you can’t possibly prepare for every bump or twist in the road, but you can be proactive and put yourself in the best position to handle the issues if and when they arise.

The elder care attorneys at Peck Ritchey, LLC will advise you on all of your end-of-life planning needs so that everyone in your family is on the same page and knows what to expect in the final months and years.

We are empathetic to the fact that thinking about death can be unpleasant, stressful, and emotionally taxing for many people. With that in mind, we are sensitive to everyone’s feelings and emotions.

We promise to handle every part of your case with the care it deserves. Protect you and your family’s future today by calling us at (312) 201-0900 and get this process completed so you can continue living each day to the fullest.

CREATING ADVANCE DIRECTIVES THAT PROTECT YOUR DECISIONS

Before you make any decisions about the kind of care and treatment you want at the end of your life, you should take some time to discuss the matter with your doctor. By doing so, you will be able to understand the medical implications of your decisions. Remember, it is okay to disagree with your doctor, but it is important that you understand and are able to properly consent to any of the possible consequences that may result from your decision.

Once you have the medical information that you need to make informed decisions about your end-of-life care, our team will be able to begin creating advance directives that will specify each of your decisions with the kind of exactitude you expect. Depending on what will be preferable to you, we can help you create the kind of advance directive that matches your wishes, including any of those that follow:

  • A living will—a document that can specify your exact wishes under generally and specifically defined circumstances
  • Durable power of attorney – This document gives a child or someone else the power to manage your legal affairs and finances while you’re alive, if you need help or become incapacitated. In addition to creating this legal document, make sure your children know who the power of attorney is beforehand so no one is in the dark.
  • Health care power of attorney—a document that transfers the power to make medical decisions on your behalf to a third-party of your choosing. This covers a number of medical decisions like consenting to surgery or authorizing life support. It’s important to make sure all family members have an understanding of your wishes since some doctors may be hesitant to carry out wishes if family members object or there appears to be disagreement.
  • Medical information release – This form gives your doctor permission to release medical records to your children or other family members

When it comes time for you to make these decisions, we will make sure that you understand all of your options first. After we have considered all of the options that you have, we can help you make an informed decision about what is in your best interests.

Why End of Life Planning is Important

Without proper planning, most people will not receive the level of care they would want at the end of their lives. Whether that’s continuing to live with the assistance of breathing tubes and machines, receiving unwanted invasive medical care, or spending your final years in a place you don’t want to. If family members don’t know what to do or they don’t have your wishes and end-of-life plan to make tough decisions, the default settings and responses are imperfect.

All of us are going to die. As unpleasant as that is to hear, it’s a universal truth we must accept so we can do everything possible to plan for it and make the end as pleasant and stress-free as possible for yourself and your family.

CONSULT WITH AN END-OF-LIFE PLANNING ATTORNEY IN CHICAGO

If you would like to learn more about what you can do to prepare for your future, or if you are ready to begin creating the advance directives that will legally protect your decisions, you should reach out to an attorney to begin discussing the options that are available to you. At Peck Ritchey, LLC, we have over 100 years of collective experience, and our legal team is prepared to help you make an informed plan for your end-of-life care. To speak with one of our attorneys about what we can do to protect your wishes, please call our offices at (312) 201-0900 today.

Testimonials

Attorney Kyle Fahey handled our matter with skill and professionalism, and was always responsive. 10/10, would work with him and the firm again.

–Jon T.

The peace of mind that Peck Ricthey's office has given me is worth every penny. The services they provided me and my family in an emergency medical situation is beyond outstanding. Last minute notice, Peter Brady and team were compassionate, understanding and most importantly efficient and got the job done. Look no further if you have any needs that this office can provide for you. Definitely in good hands! Thank you, a thousand times over for all of your help.

–Christine K.

Very responsive and knowledgeable at handling our brother’s estate. Would definitely recommend!

–Ralph C.

I solicited Peck Ritchey, LLC for assistance with a living trust for which I became the beneficiary. I needed assistance with understanding the details of how it all worked. However, I was especially concerned because there were threats of allegations made by family members and a lawsuit was filed against me. I needed a solid professional who had my best interests in mind. Peter Brady took my case and he managed it flawlessly. He explained everything in a way I could understand, he knew the law inside and out, he was always available to answer questions, and even offer support when things seemed like they could become extremely problematic. In addition to this, he had a plan. He navigated the course as if he already knew the next move by the opposing attorney. He made me feel like everything was in control and that’s because he knew exactly what he was doing and he consulted with me about everything. We ended up settling out of court and ultimately the court officially dismissed the lawsuit. I honestly believe if it wasn’t for Peter and his expertise this could have gone in an entirely different direction. Peter did a stellar job and I couldn’t be more pleased and impressed with his performance.

–John T.

Tim Ritchey is as smart, honest, and genuine as they come. He truly puts helping people above making money. If you have a need, don’t hesitate to hire him.

–Jay T.

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