A Living Will is one of several documents that make up a comprehensive estate plan. Sometimes these are called Advanced Directive or Health Care Directive. They clearly state your wishes regarding the use of certain life-sustaining medical treatments in the event you’re in a coma or unable to communicate. A Living Will is an important legal document that might help avoid arguments when your family is grieving.
Even if you have discussed your preferences with family and close friends, disagreements about what you actually wanted can happen when folks are grieving over your condition. Sometimes health care protocols and/or legal restrictions may lead to arguments or even court battles. A Health Care Directive puts your wishes in writing and carry’s the same legal weight as though you were directly saying what you do or do not want. Authorizing or denying treatment in advance and in writing can ensure that both your family members and your medical care providers will follow your wishes.
There’s always a chance you might experience a medical event that doesn’t fit squarely within the situations outlined in your Living Will. This is where a different estate planning document, a Medical Power of Attorney, could come into play. A Medical Power of Attorney authorizes someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf. It covers a different set of circumstances from a Health Care Directive, but it’s equally as important.
If you need to prepare your first set of estate planning documents or if you’ve experienced a major life event and would like to update an old estate plan, then contact the attorneys at Cooney Law Offices today. We can discuss your options and prepare an estate plan that fits your life and your wishes. Cooney Law Offices. We can help!