A living will is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment in situations where you are no longer able to communicate or make decisions for yourself—typically due to serious illness or injury.
It does not deal with financial matters or property. Instead, it focuses solely on your preferences for medical care, such as:
- Whether you want life-sustaining treatments (like ventilators or feeding tubes)
- If you wish to receive pain relief, even if it may hasten death
- Your views on resuscitation (CPR), organ donation, or other specific interventions
Why Is It Important?
- Gives you control over your healthcare decisions, even when you can’t speak for yourself.
- Eases the burden on your loved ones by removing the guesswork during emotionally difficult times.
- Helps healthcare providers follow your wishes clearly and legally.
How Is It Different from a Will or Power of Attorney?
- A will deals with your assets after death.
- A power of attorney appoints someone to make decisions for you.
- A living will specifically addresses your medical treatment preferences while you’re still alive but incapacitated.
Contact us today so that we can give you the tools you need to get your affairs in order.