THE IMPORTANCE OF A LIVING WILL ESTATE PLANNING

It’s difficult to consider end-of-life planning, but letting your loved ones know what you would want before an unexpected illness occurs can make it easier for them to negotiate difficult choices concerning your medical preferences.

In a medical emergency, you may have particular demands about the treatments you get, whether you want to be an organ donor, or if you want to be revived if your heart stops. Make a living will to record your preferences. Our living will lawyers at the Caputo & Mariotti Law Offices can help you prepare a living will.

Understanding A Living Will

A living will, also known as an advance directive or advance health care directive, is a legally binding document that specifies your wishes for medical treatment in the event that you are unable to do so for yourself. Your caretakers and physicians should obey the instructions of your living will in the following situations:

● Your illness is terminal.

● You have a severe injury.

● You are suffering from late-stage dementia.

● You’re unconscious.

The medical treatments you want and do not want to be used to keep you alive should be specified in your living will. Additionally, you may express preferences for other types of medical choices, such as how to manage pain.

What Advantages Do Living Wills Offer?

Having peace of mind in knowing that you and your family are ready in case of an emergency or other unforeseen catastrophe is one of the key advantages of having a living will. The following are some of the particular advantages of having a living will:

● Makes a medical power of attorney appointment.

● Prevents family members from arguing.

● Reduces the difficulty of making decisions for caregivers.

● Reject any treatments you wouldn’t wish to get.

● Gives you peace of mind since you know you’ll get the medical attention you need.

● Enables you to make early plans to pay for medical care.

You’ll specify your medical power of attorney when you draft your living will. In the event that you are unable to make medical choices for yourself, this person will act in your place. It is advised that you choose a candidate you can trust, and who can handle challenging situations while maintaining calmness. As per your living will’s instructions, they will be responsible for coordinating your care with medical professionals.

What happens if you do not have a Living Will?

Your loved ones may not know what you would have preferred if you didn’t leave a living will. They may vary in their opinions due to personal or religious beliefs. You may also lessen the possibility of disputes by clearly stating your preferences for medical treatment. There is no space for discussion or speculation when you specify precisely what you would want to occur. This reduces the pressure of having to make tough choices under difficult circumstances.

Contact Our Estate Planning Attorneys

If you need a living will or health care directive or already have one that you would like reviewed, contact our estate planning lawyers at the Caputo & Mariotti Law Offices. Our living will attorney will assist you throughout the will drafting process.