Nearly all of our clients want to have a living will, once they understand what a living will provides.  A living will provides peace of mind that you will be protected from medical heroics such as life support machines, if you are in an end-stage medical condition.

End-Stage Medical Condition

If you are in a persistent vegetative state or irreversible coma, you’re in an end-stage medical condition and that’s when your living will is effective.

Ensure Your Living Will is Available

Be sure your living will is available when needed.  Let your loved ones know that you have a living will and where you keep it (and your other important documents.)  Consider a virtual service such as Docubank that makes sure your living will (and other documents) are always available when you need them 24/7/365.  www.docubank.com.

Relieve a Burden and Staying in Control

When you have a living will, you are making a medical decision in advance.  That’s why it’s called an advanced “medical directive.“  This keeps you in control as you are the one to make this health care decision.

In addition, having a living will greatly relieves the burden on your loved ones’ shoulders.  They don’t have to make the decision to have life support removed or not started in the first place.

Avoid Family Disputes

Having a living will also may avoid family disputes if your loved ones have different views.  For example, Terri Schiavo’s parents conflicted with her husband; thus, she was kept alive for 15 years, while totally brain dead.  While Terri had told her husband she didn’t want to be kept alive, she never put it in writing.

Your wishes must be in writing and the treating doctor must have a copy.

If you have questions or concerns about the living will or any other health care estate planning documents, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.

Legacy APC, A Trusts & Estates Law Firm is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

Tags: Advanced Medical Directives, incapacity planning

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