You can make health care decisions ahead of time and one important medical choice is whether or not to have a living will. Just about 99% of our clients choose living wills when we explain the truth about living wills.
Is a living will right for you? Its up to you to decide. Heres the truth.
- A living will document is designed to avoid medical heroics such as life support machines.
- A living will is an advanced medical directive, meaning that you are providing or withholding informed consent for a later time.
- A living will allows you to stay in control.
- A living will is designed to keep you comfortable but not to artificially extend your life.
- A living will is only effective if you are in an end-stage medical condition, irreversible coma, or persistent vegetative state.
- A living will is only effective if its in writing and your treating doctor has a copy of it.
- A living will can not be overturned or disregarded by your medical power of attorney agent(s.)
- A living will removes the burden of having to decide whether to pull the plug from your loved ones shoulders.
- A living will may avoid family discord, in the event family members disagree as to whether life support should be continued.
- A living will may prevent your estate from being squandered on useless medical procedures.
If you have questions about livings wills, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.
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