The smart person is always aware of the potential for trouble ahead and plans for it. Ideally, this choice allows for avoiding it altogether. But, at the least, it often helps to mitigate the effects of a calamity if it is unavoidable. Speaking of which, the one event that is inescapable for every human being is death. Even though it can be difficult to comptemplate, planning for our own passing is not only the most prudent thing, it can also provide some peace of mind to know that our affairs are in order for the loved ones we leave behind. In the midst of a global pandemic, the timing couldn’t be more appropriate to talk about wills and end-of-life decisions.
There are different kinds of wills you can secure. They all ease the process of decision making at the most crucial times of life, but each has a unique purpose. One such document is the living will, which you can learn more about here:
What Is a Living Will?
A living will is a legal document that tells others what your personal choices are about end-of-life medical treatment. It lays out the procedures or medications you want — or don’t want — to prolong your life if you can’t talk with the doctors yourself. This could be because you’re under anesthesia for a scheduled surgery and had a complication or are unconscious from an accident or other event.
A living will is different than a medical power of attorney (which is when you choose someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf.) More on the differences soon. Read more at Ramsey Solutions…
Making medical decisions on behalf of another can be difficult for medical staff and anguishing for family members. With a living will, you can remove this burden from others.
What is the difference between a living will and a will? They both communicate your most important death-related decisions, but there are key differences between the two:
Wills and living wills serve different purposes. A will, formally known as a last will and testament, guides the distribution of your assets after death. In contrast, a living will guides end-of-life decisions if you are not able to make them yourself. It declares what you want done with your own body if you are on life support and enter an irreversible coma or vegetative state…
The basic difference between a will and a living will is the time when it is executed. A will takes legal effect upon death. A living will, on the other hand, gives instructions to your family and doctors about what medical treatment you do and don’t wish to have, should you become incapacitated. The insight of an experienced attorney can be valuable with regard to these two important documents and how each one suits your specific needs. Read more at Legal Zoom…
At the onset of 2020, a lot fewer people would have thought that having a living will was time critical. But, the year has proven that health matters should be given our full attention.
Let the Covid-19 crisis spur you to get in touch with an estate planning attorney without delay. This will ensure that you are ready for any eventuality, as the following post describes:
Puri says, working in palliative care, she’s seen numerous examples when careful end-of-life planning, done in advance of a crisis, can make a big difference. For example, the daughter of one COVID-19 patient had already discussed these issues with her mother — before the mother became critically ill — and that helped the daughter and the medical team make decisions and removed some of the strain around deciding whether to continue invasive care. Read more at NPR…
If you’re ready to take control of your end-of-life decisions and free your loved ones from the angst of having to do it, the time is here for having your living will and last will and testament prepared. Attorney Jonathan Meek has the expertise to make the process quick and simple for you. Contact him today at Meek Law Firm to discuss your needs. Call (704) 848-6335 or complete the contact form on our website and we will get in touch with you.