Former Vanderpump Rules star Jax Taylor has checked himself into an inpatient treatment facility to focus on his mental health. The celebrity gossip outlet TMZ broke the news amid Jax’s ongoing separation from his wife Brittany Cartwright, after four years of marriage. Since entering the rehabilitation center, he released a statement to the public letting everyone know he’s doing this for their 3-year-old son Cruz.
Jax is no stranger to battles with mental illness and has been open about his ongoing troubles over the years. As someone in the public eye, he’s able to share his journey and inspire others also to seek help. Hopefully, before starting treatment, the reality star took charge of his legal affairs. An estate planning document known as a psychiatric advance directive is crucial for anyone struggling with emotional health issues.
What Is a Psychiatric Advance Directive?
A psychiatric advance directive (PAD), also called a mental health advance directive, is a legal tool that allows someone with a mental illness to put their preferences for medical treatment in writing before an emergency occurs. It’s similar to a living will or health care directive and used in advanced planning medical care. However, while health care directives usually plan for future medical emergencies you’ve never dealt with, psychiatric advance directives allow you to base your decisions on past mental health experiences so you can make a plan based on what has worked for you before.
The laws regarding advance directives vary by state but usually contain two parts:
- Instructions for mental health treatment
- Designation of a health care agent
The instructions section can be used to list specific medications and treatments you want or don’t want to receive, preferred mental health facilities, emergency contact information, instructions for visitation, and other specific details that may be helpful for your life, like childcare or employment information.
By selecting a health care agent, also known as a health care proxy or surrogate, you can choose someone you trust to oversee your mental health treatment and make decisions about your care on your behalf if you cannot. You can also give them access to your medical records and permission to share that information with other individuals or providers involved in your treatment. The person you choose has a duty to make the same decisions they believe you would make for yourself in line with your values and beliefs.
A psychiatric advance directive only becomes effective if you’re unable to make your own mental health decisions because of incapacity. Importantly, just because someone is unwell or suffering from a mental illness does not mean they lack mental capacity. Whether or not you’re incapacitated is typically decided by your doctor if they determine you cannot make, understand, or communicate decisions for yourself.
How an Advance Directive and Other Estate Planning Documents Can Help Jax
Jax is an actor and model and has been a cast member on multiple Bravo reality TV shows and spinoffs (like the hilarious Kentucky wedding special). The Valley star hosts a joint podcast with his estranged wife titled “When Reality Hits.” They also recently opened a sports bar together called Jax’s Studio City. Plus, Jax makes money through paid appearances, endorsements, and social media.
As a business owner, Jax should make sure he has a financial power of attorney in place while he’s working on himself. This way, he can authorize another person to manage his companies, assets, and other responsibilities in case his mental health declines.
Besides the sports bar, Jax also owns real estate in Los Angeles. It’s also been reported that he owns several luxury vehicles and has accumulated a net worth in the millions. His estate planning should include a will so he can determine who will inherit his estate. Otherwise, all those assets will be distributed according to California’s intestacy laws. He and Brittany are not divorced, so she would likely receive 50% of his property. The remaining 50% would go to their son.
Several of Jax’s co-stars and other Bravo celebrities have voiced their support for Jax while he’s working on getting better. Let’s hope Jax can get the help he needs and share his experience with Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live.
Related Resources:
- Does Jen Shah Need a Power of Attorney in Jail? (FindLaw’s Legally Weird)
- Real Housewives Star Leah McSweeney Alleges Bravo Pushed Her Into Relapse (FindLaw’s Legally Weird)
- Create Your Power of Attorney (DIY Estate Planning Solutions)
- Find an Estate Planning Attorney Near Me Now (FindLaw Lawyer Directory)
