You shall examine the implications of living wills and medical directives to complete your estate planning. Your loved ones will appreciate your forethought if the time comes when you can no longer manage for yourself.

If an illness or disability prevents you from making your own decisions, will you have legal documents in place to specify the medical treatment you would want to receive? I believe that everyone will benefit from considering these issues in advance as part of the estate planning process. You will get peace of mind for yourself – and you could save your loved ones from some difficult decisions at an emotionally demanding time.

An Advance Directive for Medical Care allows you to specify the medical treatments you want to receive. Additionally, it appoints a person (your health care agent) to make medical decisions for you.

The intent of the living will is to clearly delineate which medical procedures you do – and do not – want to receive during a terminal illness. Your doctor will refer to your living will when it comes time to determine whether you want to receive life-sustaining treatment.

I encourage you to consider making advance directives part of your estate-planning process. Give me a call if I can help in any way.