A Living Will Is Very Useful
A living will is a useful tool that can protect you from healthcare decisions that do not align with your wishes. You do not need a living will, but it’s almost always worth developing one that fits into your estate plan.
Going over what a living will is, and speaking with a Florida estate planning lawyer, will make it easier for your healthcare wishes to be honored.
What Is A Living Will?
A living will – or an “advance directive,” as it is often known – is a legal document that clarifies two things: your healthcare wishes and, in turn, your end-of-life healthcare wishes.
If you are ever unable to communicate your wishes, a living will ensures that these wishes are communicated. This allows these wishes to be honored, even if someone else is attempting to speak for you.
A good example of a living will in action is as follows: your living will says that, when you are in a coma with little chance of waking up, you do not want to be resuscitated. And, as such, you won’t be, since this in your living will.
Even though a living will is not always necessary, if you would like to develop a thorough estate plan, it is worth developing one.
What Are The Core Components Of A Living Will?
The core components of a living will are as follows:
- A section for your end-of-life wishes, including whether you want your organs to be donated, your hospice care preferences; among other things.
- A section for your pain management wishes, including what you would like to take for pain relief, what measures you want to take to ensure your comfort; among other things.
- A section for the medical treatments you want to receive and those you do not want to receive, such as life support and resuscitation; among other things.
Every single one of the above is a core component of a living will. Your living will must include these things.
Do You Need A Living Will?
To answer the question outlined above, “No, you do not need a living will.” But, even though you do not need a living will, a living will can be very useful.
If you develop a living will, you ensure that all of your healthcare wishes will, in the event that you are incapable of communicating them, be honored. This can make it easier for you to be comfortable and happy.
Outside of ensuring your comfort and happiness, a living will guarantees that, if you have any wishes for what happens after you pass away, those wishes will be honored.
To go along with the above, your loved ones may have their own ideas for you, when it comes to the medical care you are set to receive. A living will ensures that your wishes are honored, as opposed to what they want for you.
Speak With A Florida Estate Planning Lawyer Today
If you would like to develop a living will, you should think about obtaining legal assistance. Speak with a Florida estate planning lawyer at Millhorn Elder Law Planning Group today and we will help you develop a living will that satisfies your needs.
Sources:
law.cornell.edu/wex/living_will
floridahealth.gov/about/patient-rights-and-safety/do-not-resuscitate/index.html
