Why Do I Need A Living Will?

A living will is a vital legal document that all people need for peace of mind regarding their end of life care. A living will is a document that allows you the patient to direct the physicians, nurses and others who will be involved in your care as to what type of care you do and do not want in an end of life situation.

Some people do not wish to be kept alive by any type of artificial means if they are diagnosed with a terminal condition or if their condition offers no hope of a meaningful recovery such as victims of massive strokes. A living will directs the medical team on matters such as when not to attempt resuscitation or when to discontinue life support measures.

If you do not have a living will in place and your condition leaves you unable to respond and make decisions related to your care, a relative or someone appointed by a court may make those decisions for you. They may not act in the manner that you wish.

The law regarding living wills differs from state to state. It is important to contact an estates lawyer to assist you with drafting a living will that meets your requirements and the legal requirements of the state in which you reside.

Estate Planning Attorney Westchester and Putnam Counties

Estate planning attorneys, such as those at Meyer & Spencer PC, have years of experience in crafting living wills that meet all of the law’s requirements. These attorneys will ask you detailed questions regarding what you do and do not want in regard to end of life care. In addition, with their years of estate planning experience, they will be able to assist you with all aspects of estate planning and the legal matters related to the area of elder care law.