Estate Planning, Organ Donation, & Advance Medical Directives

Even though estate planning is something hard for people to discuss, it is so important to plan for the future and to be prepared for anything. Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and disposal of that person’s estate during the person’s life, in the event the person becomes incapacitated and after death. In addition to estate planning, advanced medical directives can help your loved ones carry out your wishes in the event of incapacitation. An advance directive typically includes a combination of three vital components: a healthcare power of attorney, a living will, and an anatomical gift authorization. Organ donations and advance medical directives are often things that are grazed over during the estate planning process. 

Over 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for an organ transplant. Unfortunately, there are not nearly enough organ donors registered to meet the demand. You, or someone you love, could save lives in the future with the decision to consider organ donation and advance directives in your estate planning process. 

At McCutchen McLean, we not only help clients with estate planning and advance directives, but we also have first-hand experience with the organ donation process and how it affects individuals and families. 

Attorney James McCutchen experienced this first hand when his father, William McCutchen, found out 10 years ago that a certain medication he had been taking had caused significant damage to his kidney, resulting in only 18% kidney function. After nearly six years of waiting on transplant lists in Georgia and South Carolina, he finally received his new kidney. 

Mr. McCutchen with his two grandsons

That’s why at McCutchen and McLean, we are very adamant with our clients that advanced directives and organ donations are critical components of estate planning. 

“Having an advanced directive is very important. When an individual loses capacity due to an illness, their family members need to have access to their medical information and the ability to make medical decisions for their loved ones.  Selecting an individual to make these decisions for you is perhaps one of the most important decisions an individual will ever make.  I am glad my Dad selected me to make these decisions for him, and I am glad another individual made the decisions to donate their organs,” said Attorney James McCutchen.

Estate planning and advanced directives can not only reduce stress and potentially save a loved one’s life in the future, but you could also save the life of another. Contact McCutchen McLean today to get started with your estate plan and advanced directives. 

Reviews

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James McCutchen drafted our estate planning documents and he did a fantastic job. The entire process was easy and affordable. I highly recommend James for any of your estate planning or probate needs.

Angela

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James McCutchen helped me with my business contract for my new business venture. He was able to offer helpful and informative suggestions and recommendations for my contract. It is reassuring to have someone like James look over my contract to know that I will be covered. His service was outstanding and I highly recommend him for your legal needs!!

Travis

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I recently had a tax issue with the IRS. I called McCutchen McClean law firm and they were able to fit me in quickly. They sat down with me, reviewed all the documents, listened to my concerns, and gave me wonderful advice as to how to fix the issue. They were friendly and understanding. Now, my tax issue is resolved, taking a HUGE weight off my mind. I would recommend them for any tax issue you may have! The service, hospitality, knowledge, and professionalism was outstanding!

Alasen

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We recently used James McCutchen and we could not be any happier! He was very kind, thorough when answering all of our questions and the best part of all we got everything completed pretty quickly. We highly recommend James. Thanks again for everything!

Abby

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I have referred several clients to them. My clients are very happy with the outstanding, timely service they receive. James and Robin are extremely smart and professional, yet speak in "plain english" so everyone walks away educated regarding their tax, estate or family law issue.

Gayle

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Smart people that do great work.

Charles

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I used Robin McLean as an attorney to secure a divorce about 20 months ago. I found her to be efficient, reasonably priced, and very well skilled. I was completely happy with her work. She did what she said. Since that time, I needed additional help with paperwork and she responded promptly and to my complete satisfaction. I highly recommend Robin as an attorney.

Howard

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