Estate planning is not something everyone wants to think about, especially when it comes to dealing with difficult subjects like catastrophic injuries or death. When most people think about estate planning, they only consider wills and trusts, but creating a living will is another part of the process. Does that mean you can benefit from a living will?
With so many other areas to estate planning, it can be easy to overlook a part of it. Keeping in mind what is at stake with the absence of a living will can help you address the matter, but what can a living will do for you?
The functions of a living will
The purpose of a living will, or advance health care directive (AHCD), is to inform loved ones and medical professionals about your wishes regarding your health. This document is especially useful when you are no longer able to speak or act on your behalf. With proper planning, an AHCD can:
- Appoint a power of attorney
- Dictate how long or if you want to be on life support
- Which kind of medicines you approve of using
- What types of treatment you do not consent to
An added benefit to an AHCD is that you lift the burden of deciding from your loved ones. Making a life-or-death decision on behalf of a loved one is something few people are willing to do. The actions you take today can help prevent someone you love from making that decision.
Now is the time to prepare for tomorrow
Estate planning is a critical step in taking care of your future and your loved ones’ future. Talk to an estate planning attorney to begin making your wishes official. You can answer some very serious decisions today that you may not be able to answer otherwise.
