Advance directives for health care are an important part of any comprehensive estate plan. Individuals generally do not die suddenly one day after having been in good health the previous day. An interim during which you may become unable to communicate your medical choices may indeed precede your death.
Unfortunately, surveys are indicating that an inordinate percentage of Americans are going through life without advance directives for health care. A survey was conducted recently by a website that is well-regarded within the legal community. Less than 40% of the respondents stated that they had in fact executed a living will.
A living will is used to let all interested parties know how you feel about the use of life-sustaining health care measures. Medical professionals can keep people alive in many instances even when there is no hope of recovery. If they remove devices such as ventilators or feeding tubes the individual in question would pass away.
This is a very personal decision, and it is something that you should make for yourself by stating your wishes in a living will. If you fail to do so your family may be forced to make a decision that could be extraordinarily emotionally taxing. The matter could also lead to acrimony among family members who don’t agree on the correct course of action.
It is simple enough to execute advance directives to prepare for the possibility of incapacity. Should you be interested in doing so by all means, contact our firm to schedule a free consultation.
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Ryan M. DenmanandDennis D. Duffy
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