As an attorney in California who specializes in estate planning, trust administration, probate, and more, I have seen firsthand the importance of having legal documents in place to protect my clients’ assets and ensure their wishes are carried out. However, one document that is often overlooked but equally important is a living will.
A living will, also known as an advance healthcare directive, is a legal document that outlines an individual’s wishes for medical treatment and end-of-life care. It allows individuals to communicate their preferences for medical treatment in the event they become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for themselves.
Here are some reasons why you need a living will:
- Control Over Your Medical Care
A living will provides you with control over your medical care, even if you are unable to communicate your wishes. It allows you to decide in advance what medical treatments you want or do not want, and whether you want to be kept on life support if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious.
- Alleviate the Burden on Loved Ones
If you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself, your loved ones may be faced with the difficult task of making medical decisions on your behalf. A living will can help alleviate this burden and prevent conflicts between family members about your medical care.
- Ensure Your Wishes are Respected
A living will provides clear instructions to healthcare providers about your medical care, ensuring that your wishes are respected even if your loved ones or healthcare providers disagree with your decisions.
- Plan for Your End-of-Life Care
A living will also allows you to plan for your end-of-life care, including whether you want to receive palliative care to manage pain and other symptoms, or hospice care to ensure comfort and dignity in your final days.
- Ability to Update Your Living Will
It’s important to note that a living will is not a one-time document. As your medical condition or personal preferences change, you can update your living will to reflect your current wishes.
At Voorhees Law Group, we understand the importance of having legal documents in place to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are carried out. Our experienced attorneys can assist you in creating a living will that reflects your wishes and ensures your medical care is managed according to your desires.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to create a living will. Contact Voorhees Law Group today to schedule a consultation and discuss your estate planning needs. We are here to help you protect your assets and ensure your wishes are carried out.