Why a Living Will is Important for You and Your Family

Unforeseen events, such as the diagnosis of a terminal illness or the occurrence of a catastrophic accident, happen all the time. And, it’s in those instances that a living will is indispensable. Whereas a last will and testament outlines the distribution of your assets upon your death, a living will documents your instructions to medical professionals in the event that you cannot communicate your wishes but are still alive. Simply put, a living will is for the living. Considering, if you’re reading this, you’re alive—that means a living will is for you. Here are the three most important reasons you should make out a living will now, regardless of your age or current health.

1.) Gives you control over medical procedures and treatments when you can no longer communicate

Have you ever texted while driving? Unfortunately, the question is almost rhetorical, but, even if the answer is no, there are countless actions we take every day that could put us at risk of becoming incapacitated. For innumerable reasons, many of which are outside of our control, any one of us may find ourselves diagnosed with a rapidly progressing terminal illness or catastrophic injury that affects our consciousness or cognizance. In these situations, when you are unable to communicate your wishes, a living will can make a huge difference in your care and treatment. You can decide now how you want your treatment to be handled and, in the worst-case scenario, you will still be in control.

2.) Saves your loved ones from decision-making anguish

The act of making decisions about life-saving medical care or treatment on your behalf but without your guidance can be heavily burdensome and can even cause rifts within your family. Making sure you detail your wishes ahead of time in a living will saves those you love most from that potential turmoil at a time when they will already be deeply bereaved.

3.) Reduces your family’s debt from potentially unwanted medical bills

In the event that you are in a coma or vegetative state, your living will dictates what happens next. Life support is extremely expensive, and there is the potential to rack up enormous, even insurmountable debt. But, having to make the decision to take a loved one off of life-support is equally heart-wrenching. A living will takes away pressure and guilt and protects everyone in this situation.

There are enormous benefits to both you and your loved ones when you decide to create a living will. There are so many questions you could answer right now. Important questions, like—do you want to be put on life-support in the event that you can’t breathe on your own? How do you feel about feeding tubes? And, do you want to donate your body or organs after your death? Having to make each of these decisions and far more without your input would be agonizing to those who love you and whom you love. To avoid this heartbreak, it’s important to hire a qualified attorney to ensure all of your affairs are settled prior to a dire circumstance in which you are unable to do so yourself. Bob Nelson provides the highest quality legal assistance and estate planning in the area. Contact Bob on his website or by calling (440) 653-5388 today.