Have you ever wondered what would happen during a medical crisis? If you are like most people, you probably don't think about estate planning until there is a crisis. But having an up-to-date estate plan, including a living will, can help ensure your wishes are followed in the event of an emergency. So what is a living will, and what should you include in it? Read on to find out.
What Is a Living Will and What Does It Do?
A living will is a legal document that specifies your end-of-life medical care wishes. Many people choose to create a living will as part of their overall estate planning, in order to ensure that their loved ones are not left with the burden of making difficult decisions about their care.
It can include things like whether you want to be put on life support, what kind of pain relief you want, and what kind of end-of-life care you would like to receive. In the event that you become unable to make your own decisions, a living will can ensure that your end-of-life care meets your specific needs and preferences.
What Happens if You Don't Have a Living Will in Place?
If you don't have a living will in place, your family members or close friends will be responsible for making decisions on your behalf. This can be a difficult burden for them, especially if they are not sure what you would have wanted.
Additionally, without a living will, there is no guarantee that your wishes will be carried out. For example, if you want to avoid artificial life support, but there is no documentation of this preference, your family may choose to keep you on life support against your wishes. In short, a living will gives you the power to control your end-of-life care and ensures that your wishes are followed.
How Do You Make a Living Will and Who Can Help You With That Process?
An attorney should help you with the process as a mistake may cause you to receive medical care different than what you desire or cause the document to be invalid.
The first step in making a living will is to decide what kind of medical treatment you would like to receive if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. You can also specify who you would like to make decisions on your behalf.
Once you have made these decisions, it is important to have a living will document created and properly executed.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Living Will in Place for You and Your Loved Ones?
A living will can give your loved ones peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be followed if something happens to you. It can also help to avoid any conflict or disagreements among family members about what medical care you should receive.
In addition, a living will can help ensure that you receive the type of medical care that you want and that your doctors understand your wishes. For example, if you are not comfortable with the idea of receiving life-sustaining treatment, such as a ventilator, a living will can make your wishes clear.
While no one likes to think about what would happen if they became seriously ill or injured, a living will can give you and your loved ones some level of control over the situation.
Contact an Estate Planning Attorney
A living will is a document that allows you to state your wishes for medical treatment if you are unable to make decisions yourself. This document can be very important in ensuring that your loved ones know what you would want done in the event of an emergency.
If you have not already created a living will, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. You can contact us at 414-253-8500 or send us a message through our website for more information.
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