Are you hoping to start estate planning this year? Those that haven't yet defined a plan should decide whether or not they need a living will or a living trust. In previous blog posts we talked about both. Today, our estate lawyers in Cary NC are going to talk further about living wills.
Living Will | Estate Lawyers in Cary NC
When you write a living will a health care power of attorney should be named. This is the person who will carry out your wishes if you are unable to speak for yourself. It can also be called a durable power of attorney, a health care attorney-in-fact, or a health care proxy, depending on your state.
It is important that you choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf. Although some medical procedures may be outlined in your will, there may be a time when other options will be available and that person needs to have a level of good judgement that you trust so you can ensure that your wishes will be carried out.
Before naming someone, you should ask yourself a few questions such as:
- Does this person share my values and belief system?
- Will he or she be able to handle making these decisions, emotionally and mentally?
- Will he or she be able to talk with caregivers to get all of the information necessary to make a decision on my behalf?
- Is he or she willing to argue on your behalf to doctors, other family members or possibly even the courts to carry out your wishes?
There are several scenarios you can address in your living will, including resuscitation, use of ventilators and tubes, dialysis, palliative care, and if you want to donate your organs or body. You can discuss these options with your current physician and address any other issues that may arise in different situations. While you will not be able to give direction for every medical situation, you will be able to instruct the person you named as your advocate on what to do in many common end-of-life situations.
If you missed our previous blog post, be sure to go back and visit it before moving on. There, you'll find more information regarding the importance of a living will.
Eldreth Law Firm, PLLC | Estate Lawyers in Cary NC
If you don’t have an estate plan in place or haven’t reviewed yours in several years, now might be the best time to start. Our estate lawyers in Cary NC are here to help you get your estate plan in order and ready should you pass in an untimely manner or become incapacitated at some point. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to estate planning. Contact our office, today, to get started.
Also, remember that our law office offers other legal services for you, as well. Whether it’s entertainment law, family law, small business law and others, our estate lawyers in Cary NC are available to help you through your legal situation. Contact us, today, to make an appointment.
