Living Wills: What Are They and What Are the Benefits
A living will is one of the most important documents you can have as part of an estate plan. While it may seem intimidating, it’s an essential document every adult should consider getting. In this article, we’ll cover what a living will is, the benefits of having one, and the steps you should take to have one drafted.
What Is a Living Will?
A living will is a document that allows a person (the “principal”) to express their wishes regarding their medical care and health care decisions in the event they become incapacitated or unable to make decisions for themselves. It allows them to stipulate what kind of care they want—or don’t want—in such a situation and when they want it to be provided.
A living will does not deal with the distribution of a person’s property or possessions—for that, you’ll need a last will and testament. Rather, a living will deals with the principal’s wishes for their medical care. This can include how much intervention they want from medical personnel, as well as whether they wish to be kept on life support.
Benefits of a Living Will
Having a living will offers a variety of benefits, and here are just a few:
Peace of Mind: Having a living will lets you rest easy knowing that your wishes for your medical care will be known and respected during a time of crisis. You’ll have the peace of mind in knowing that your wishes will be respected even if you’re not around to make them yourself.
Reduces Conflict: A common occurrence when someone is incapacitated and a decision needs to be made is family conflict. This can be avoided or at least minimized with a living will, as it specifies exactly what kind of care you want.
Avoids Unnecessary Pain: A living will can help avoid unnecessary pain and suffering, as it lets you state exactly what kind of care you wish to receive and when. This makes sure that you won’t be subjected to medical procedures that you’re not comfortable with and ensures your wishes are respected.
How to Get a Living Will
If you feel that a living will is right for you, the next step is to get one drafted. This can be done with the help of a qualified estate planning attorney who can ensure that the document is legally binding and meets all applicable state laws. They’ll be able to review the document and make sure that you’re covering all the bases with your wishes.
It’s important to note that a living will is a very personal document, so you’ll want to be as specific as possible when giving instructions. Work closely with your attorney to make sure that you’re covering all of your bases—and make sure you update the document whenever your wishes change.
Conclusion
Living wills are an incredibly important part of each person’s estate plan. They ensure that your wishes regarding your medical care and health care decisions are known and respected, even if you’re incapacitated. They offer an array of benefits, including peace of mind, reduced conflict, and avoiding unnecessary pain and suffering. To get a living will drafted, you should consult with a qualified estate planning attorney who can make sure that the document is legally binding.