One of the most complex aspects of planning for the future is considering what will happen in the event of your death or your incapacitation. These are complex and sensitive matters, but it is necessary to think about what could occur and what your preferences would be in these events. It is important for each adult to establish plans that outline what they do and do not want to occur during a medical emergency or after their passing.
A living will is a beneficial and important estate planning document that will provide you the opportunity to be specific about the types of care you want in case you cannot speak for yourself. Even if you are young and healthy, you will benefit from having the protections provided by this type of document. You can custom-tailor your living will to suit your needs and your wishes. If you do not yet have a living will, you will benefit from creating one as soon as possible.
The preparation of a living will
A living will is a specific estate planning document that outlines the type of health care you may want or the interventions you may decline in case of incapacitation. When you are unable to speak for yourself due to a severe injury or grave medical condition, doctors and care providers will employ drastic measures to keep you alive. This may include blood transfusions, use of CPR, use of defibrillators, surgical interventions and more.
These types of documents typically work best in conjunction with advance directives. These documents name a specific individual to make decisions for you in case you cannot speak for yourself. With a health care advance directive, the agent would make decisions for you in matters not specifically outlined in your living will. It is critical that a living will be legally binding and detailed in order to make your wishes clear.
Securing your future interests
Prioritizing your future medical needs is a critical aspect of estate planning. If you do not have a living will or other advance directive, you will benefit from taking immediate action to take care of that as soon as possible. Life is unpredictable, but by having these things in place, you can face an unpredictable future with confidence.