There’s a lot that goes into creating an estate plan, so you don’t want to rush the process. Doing so puts you at risk, as you could end up missing out on something that would benefit you, your family, and/or your estate.
The purpose of a living will is simple. You create this to ensure that you receive the right type of medical care and treatment should you be unable to personally share your wishes.
For example, you may not want to be put on life support. You can make this decision before the time comes (if the time comes), and include it in your living will. This gives your loved ones and medical team the direction they need.
There’s another reason to create a living will: to eliminate the potential for a dispute over your medical care.
For example, if you don’t have a living will, your spouse may want to take you off life support while your adult children have a different idea.
But if you have a living will, neither party has the ability to make the decision. You outlined the type of treatment you wanted to receive, and your medical team is obligated by law to carry it out.
You can express almost anything in your living will, as it relates to the type of care you receive. This includes but is not limited to: life support, use of a respirator, dialysis, and blood transfusions.
You create a living will both for yourself and your loved ones. It’ll give you peace of mind now and in the future, while also helping your loved ones in the event that you’re incapacitated.
If you’re thinking about creating a living will or altering one that you already have, contact us to learn more about the process and your legal rights.
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