The dedicated legal team of Caputo & Mariotti
Living Will Attorney: Why You Need One to Protect Your Future
February 17, 2025
Planning for the future is essential, especially when it comes to making healthcare decisions. A living will allows you to outline your medical preferences in case you become unable to communicate them yourself. Having a living will attorney ensures that your document is legally sound and accurately reflects your wishes. At Caputo & Mariotti, we help individuals and families create legally binding living wills to provide peace of mind and prevent unnecessary stress for loved ones.
What Is a Living Will?
A living will, also known as an advance healthcare directive, is a legal document that specifies your medical treatment preferences in the event that you are incapacitated. Unlike a last will and testament, which deals with asset distribution after death, a living will focuses on medical decisions while you are still alive.
Some of the key aspects covered in a living will include:
- Life-Sustaining Treatment: Whether you want to receive artificial life support, such as ventilators or feeding tubes.
- Pain Management and Comfort Care: Your preferences regarding palliative care and pain relief.
- Resuscitation Orders: Whether you wish to be resuscitated if your heart stops or you stop breathing.
- Organ and Tissue Donation: Your decision on donating organs after death.
By clearly documenting your medical preferences, a living will prevents confusion and ensures that your healthcare providers and family follow your wishes.
Why You Need a Living Will Attorney
While it is possible to create a living will on your own, consulting with an experienced living will attorney ensures that the document is legally valid and enforceable. Here are some reasons why working with a lawyer is beneficial:
1. Ensuring Legal Validity
Each state has specific requirements for living wills. A qualified attorney ensures that your document complies with Pennsylvania laws and is properly executed.
2. Avoiding Ambiguity
A poorly drafted living will can lead to misunderstandings or disputes among family members. An attorney ensures that your wishes are clearly stated, reducing the risk of legal challenges.
3. Incorporating a Healthcare Power of Attorney
Many people choose to create a healthcare power of attorney alongside a living will. This allows you to appoint a trusted individual to make medical decisions on your behalf. An attorney can help you draft both documents to work together effectively.
4. Updating Your Living Will as Needed
Your medical preferences may change over time. An attorney can help you update your living will to reflect any new decisions or life circumstances.
Who Should Have a Living Will?
Anyone over the age of 18 can benefit from having a living will, but it is particularly important for:
- Individuals with chronic illnesses or serious medical conditions
- Seniors who want to ensure their healthcare wishes are respected
- People undergoing major surgeries or medical treatments
- Anyone who wants to take control of their future medical care
How to Create a Legally Sound Living Will
At Caputo & Mariotti, we guide clients through the process of drafting a living will by:
- Discussing Your Preferences – We take the time to understand your values and healthcare choices.
- Drafting the Legal Document – Ensuring your living will meets Pennsylvania’s legal requirements.
- Reviewing and Finalizing – Making sure the document is clear, comprehensive, and properly signed.
- Providing Ongoing Support – Helping you update your living will if your circumstances change.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Living Will Attorney
Planning ahead can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. At Caputo & Mariotti, our experienced living will attorneys are here to help you protect your healthcare decisions and ensure your wishes are honored.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and start the process of creating a legally sound living will.
