Who Should Have a Living Will?
Do you know what will happen to you if you are suddenly in a severe auto accident or medical emergency and unable to communicate your medical wishes? Most people have strong feelings about the care they expect if they are in a coma or other critical medical condition. While some individuals want every effort made to keep them alive, others have no desire to be kept alive with intubation or life support. If you do not have a living will or medical directives in place, you may not receive the care you desire.
What Is a Living Will?
Unlike wills that contain your legal directives for your assets after your death, a living will contains medical directives for while you are alive. If you are seriously injured or succumb suddenly to a serious illness, a living will makes your wishes known about the care you will receive. This can give you peace of mind that you will receive, or not receive, medical treatments to keep you alive if you are not able to communicate. This may be due to a brain injury, coma or other circumstance that leaves you incapacitated. A living will also can take the burden of making end-of-life decisions off your family.
Living wills can include instructions for resuscitation under certain circumstances. It can also include directives on what medical care you want performed, from feeding tubes and ventilators to dialysis and full life support. You can decide whether or not you want to donate organs and other end-of-life decisions.
Preparing for the Unexpected
End-of-life events can occur at any point in your life. The purpose of any will, including living wills, is to provide directives when you are no longer able to communicate your thoughts. It does not matter if you are 20 or 70, tomorrow could be the day you need a legal document to communicate your wishes. Everyone should have their preferences entered into a legal living will to prepare for the unexpected.
If you are ready to provide medical directives for your family, come see us at Turner Law. We offer comprehensive estate planning, including living wills and medical directives. Call our office in Decatur, GA to schedule a legal consultation.
Posted on the behalf of Turner Law, LLC
