One of the most essential aspects of estate planning is thinking about what will happen to you should you ever become medically incapacitated. While this is never a pleasant topic, considering it in advance can help you put the right preparations in place, ensuring your ultimate wishes are carried out.
There are different estate planning documents that can help with this, and one of the most common is the living will. We recommend meeting with a living wills lawyer, who can guide your decision-making and provide you with ample peace of mind.
What is a Living Will?
Before you meet with a will and trust attorney, it’s important to gain some basic familiarity with core legal concepts.
So what is a living will, exactly? It’s a legal document that sometimes goes by the name advance health care directive. Essentially, it allows you to outline your wishes for medical care, in the event that you become incapacitated and are unable to speak for yourself
For example, with a living will, you can provide clarity as to if and when you want life-saving measures such as breathing machines and feeding tubes to be administered… and, if and when you want them withdrawn.
Talking with a Wills Trusts and Estates Attorney
Wills and estate lawyers can tell you more about the living will, how it’s used, and how it can benefit you and your loved ones.
As you prepare to meet with your will and trust attorney, there are a few core questions you’ll want to ask, ensuring you make a fully informed decision about your estate planning documents. Here are some examples.
- What should I state in my living will? Not all living wills are created equal, and as you seek to establish one, there are plenty of stipulations you can offer. It really all comes down to your wishes and your values. A wills trusts and estates attorney can walk you through all the things you can and cannot do with your living will.
- What are my other options? A living will is just one of several estate planning documents that will allow you to plan ahead for the possibility of medical incapacitation. You should definitely ask your living wills lawyer to explain it in further detail, but also pick their brain about medical powers of attorney, financial powers of attorney, etc.
- How can I change my living will? Eventually, your wishes may evolve, and you may desire to modify your living will. The best wills and estate lawyers will make it easy for you to review and revise your living will as needed.
- How does a living will compare to a last will and testament? Your living will is just one part of your estate plan, which may also include a last will and testament or a trust. Be sure you check with your attorney to make sure your bases are covered.
- Where should I store my living will? Generally speaking, you’ll want to leave a copy of your living will with your attorney, have another one at home, and ensure there’s one with your medical provider. You can talk with your living wills lawyer further for storage recommendations.
Meet with a Trust Attorney from Singh Law Firm
If you’re ready to meet with a living trust attorney, we invite you to reach out to Singh Law Firm. We’d love to book you for an appointment with an expert in living wills law, who can outline your options and answer all of your questions. Reach out to talk with a trust attorney at your next opportunity.
