50+ Lifestyles

Discuss End of Life Decisions and Create a Living Will

Duffy Law Office is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

By Ryan Denman
Duffy Law Office

    If you’re planning for the future, you will have many planning needs, including a living will in your comprehensive estate plan.  This will allow you to legally spell out your end of life treatment decisions.  Without a plan in place, others will be left to guess and make difficult choices.  Take a look at the following information, to learn more about this planning need.  If you have any questions, or if you’d like to create a living will, contact an estate planning attorney.

Make a Future Medical Decision Now
Part of planning involves making difficult decisions about the future.  You want to make sure that you’re always prepared for the unexpected.  You never know when a medical emergency may arise, and it’s important to have your wishes documented.

Stay in Control and Avoid Life Support Machines
With the use of a living will, you can do this.  You have the opportunity to outline your wishes regarding many end of life treatments.  This means that you can be in control in the event of incapacity.  Many people have strong wishes about the use of life support, and often include in their living will.  There are also many other end of life decisions that you may outline with this planning device.

Talk with Your Loved Ones so They Know How You Feel
While creating this document is especially important, you should also discuss your wishes with your loved ones.  It’s important that they understand that you’ve taken the time to create a living will.  You should also express why you’ve made some of the decisions that you’ve made.  This can allow everyone to have a greater understanding and it can limit confusion in the future.

Where to Get Assistance with a Living Will
By creating a living will and discussing your wishes, you will be able to have a plan in place for the unexpected.  In the event of incapacity, this document will be used to determine how your affairs will be handled.  It can also keep your loved ones from having to make difficult end of life decisions.

If you have any questions, or if you’d like to discuss how a living will fits in with your planning, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.