For many, the right to make our own healthcare decisions is something we take for granted. You may not think twice before discussing your treatment options with your doctor and choosing the one that you feel the most comfortable with. However, when this right is taken away, it can be incredibly upsetting to know that your healthcare is in the hands of another person. As such, taking the time to establish a living will as part of your estate is critical. If you’re unsure what a living will is or the benefits of establishing one, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores what you should know about these complicated matters and the importance of discussing your circumstances with St. Louis estate planning lawyers.
What Is a Living Will?
A living will is a document in which you can specify the kind of healthcare treatment you want to receive in the event you become incapacitated and cannot explain your wishes. For example, if you fall into a coma or are deemed incapacitated due to a degenerative brain disease, you may be unable to understand and explain the medical care you want. However, by establishing a living will, you can ensure your wishes are documented so you can receive treatment you are comfortable with.
Often, a living will is used in conjunction with a healthcare proxy, who is someone you can appoint to act on your behalf. This person can advocate for certain kinds of medical care to ensure the medical providers adhere to your wishes. In addition, if a circumstance arises that is not covered by the living will, your healthcare proxy is tasked with making the decision on your behalf based on your wants and wishes.
How Do I Create a Living Will?
If you wish to create a living will to detail your wishes for your healthcare treatment, understanding what information to include is critical. First and foremost, you’ll need to obtain the correct form, which you can obtain from your local county clerk’s office or through your attorney. Once you have the form, you must complete it thoroughly. Typically, there are sections where you can indicate what kind of treatment you would or would not like to receive, like artificial nutrition or measures like CPR. Additionally, you can write a statement that further explicates what kind of care you would or would not like.
Creating a living will can be incredibly overwhelming, especially because it can be somewhat morbid to think about. As such, it is critical to understand that working with an experienced attorney during this process is critical. Not only can they help ensure your document is legally binding, but they can also help ensure you understand all of your options during this process so you make the most informed decisions.
When you need assistance, the dedicated team at the Stobie Family Law Group is here to assist you. We understand how complicated these matters can be, which is why our firm is dedicated to providing you with the care you need. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assis you.
