Reasons to Create a Northeastern Pennsylvania Living Will
A living will is not the same thing as a last will and testament. A living will is also called an advanced health care directive, which is a legally binding document that specifies what type of medical actions you want to be taken in the event you are no longer able to make them for yourself due to incapacity or illness. Living wills are often created along with a will as your living will won’t have provisions for distributing your assets when you die.
If you are considering a living will, you need an experienced estate planning attorney to help. Here are several reasons why you should consider one as part of your estate plan.
A Living Will Protects You When You Can’t Communicate Your Wishes
The central premise of a living will is to have a legal document that protects you down the line if you cannot communicate for yourself. You need to have a say in your medical treatment if you are injured or fall ill.
You Can Control Medical Procedures and Treatments
A living will allows you to control what types of medical procedures and treatments you want in the event of an emergency, and you are unable to let the doctors know yourself. This document orders medical professionals to fulfill the wishes you left in writing.
Can Prevent Arguments Between Family Members
Taking the burden of decision making out of your family’s hands means there may be fewer arguments. Deciding what care is best for you can cause significant conflict between family members who only want the best for you. No one wants to imagine their family fighting over what types of lifesaving measures you might want. Remove the potential for conflict by having a living will that lets your family know your wishes ahead of time.
Make sure your family members know your wishes as well. A living will should not come as a surprise to them. Tell them when you are drafting it so they can discuss your choices with you then.
Can Reduce Medical Expenses
Your living will can also help save your family money on medical treatments that you don’t want. For example, if you are in a coma, your living will should discuss whether you want to be on life-support. Many people would prefer to die rather than be hooked up to machines for years. Without specifying your wishes, your family might opt to keep you on life support for years and be left with an unfathomable amount of debt.
Contact an Estate Planning Attorney
A living will can give you peace of mind. You can take control of your medical decisions and relax knowing your family won’t be left trying to figure out what to do or be left with tremendous debt. If you want to know more about drafting a living will, let our Northeastern Pennsylvania estate planning attorneys help. Contact Needle Law Firm today to schedule an initial consultation.
