It’s a common misconception that estate planning is for planning what happens to one’s assets after they die. But there is also a way to plan for one’s medical care needs in case one becomes incapacitated and can’t make medical decisions for themselves. A living will is designed to provide guidance on how one wishes life-sustaining health care to be dealt with if there is a serious medical emergency. Having a living will in place can provide peace of mind that loved ones won’t have to make these difficult decisions on their own.
How a living will works
A living will is a legal document that provides instructions for one’s medical care. It usually also includes guidelines for when one wants medical intervention to cease. A living will can list specific circumstances under which one does not want to receive resuscitation or life-sustaining treatment. Some people choose to create a living will once they are diagnosed with a disease, which others choose to do so without a diagnosis.
The living will would go into effect if one can’t make their own decisions. In cases where one is in a coma, on life support, or simply can’t communicate their wishes, healthcare providers will follow the guidelines in the living will. Once a living will is complete, it should be shared with one’s primary health care provider and health care proxy if applicable.
Help with writing a living will
Like other legal documents, there are certain guidelines one must follow to make a legally binding living will. While these guidelines aren’t complex, it’s still beneficial for one to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney when writing legal documents. An Illinois attorney can help one ensure that all pertinent information is included in the living will, which can take the burden off loved ones in a medical emergency.
