No one wants to think about their own death or a serious medical emergency, but the truth is that unexpected events can happen at any time. That’s why having a living will is so important. A living will is a legal document that outlines your wishes for medical treatment in the event that you are unable to make decisions for yourself. Here are some reasons why you need a living will.
Ensure Your Wishes are Respected
A living will is a way to ensure that your wishes for medical treatment are respected. You can specify what treatments you do or don’t want, such as artificial respiration or feeding tubes. You can also indicate your preference for pain management and end-of-life care. This document provides guidance to your loved ones and healthcare providers, so they know what you want and can follow your wishes.
Avoid Family Conflicts
Without a living will, family members may disagree about what medical treatments you would want in a certain situation. This can lead to conflicts, stress, and uncertainty. A living will can provide clarity and prevent disagreements among family members about your medical care.
Reduce Emotional and Financial Burden
If you become incapacitated and don’t have a living will, your family members may have to make difficult medical decisions on your behalf. This can be emotionally and financially burdensome. A living will can help reduce the burden on your loved ones by giving them a clear understanding of your wishes for medical treatment.
Give You Control
A living will gives you control over your medical care, even if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. By creating a living will, you can have peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be respected and that you will receive the medical care you desire.
Ensure Your Dignity
A living will can also ensure that your dignity is maintained at the end of your life. You can specify how you want to be treated and what you want to avoid. This can help ensure that you are treated with respect and compassion during a difficult time.
In conclusion, a living will is an essential document that can give you peace of mind and ensure that your wishes are respected. It’s important to talk to your loved ones about your wishes for medical treatment and create a living will that reflects your values and beliefs.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to create an estate plan.With a comprehensive estate plan, you can ensure that your legacy is preserved and your tax liability minimized. Contact Polaris Estate Planning & Elder Law today to get started, or register for our next workshop!
