If you’re incapacitated due to an accident or unexpected illness, who would have the right to make decisions regarding your medical treatment? Are you certain they would make decisions you would agree with? You might assume that your verbally expressed wishes would be enough, but unfortunately this isn’t always the case. A living will allows you to make these choices in advance, giving you more control over your decisions and ensuring your wishes will be respected.

3 Reasons to Write a Living Will

1. Power Over Health Care Decisions

If you’re unable to communicate, a living will gives prior directions regarding what treatments you agree to, what outcomes are acceptable, and even describes your personal hygiene methods. Most importantly, living wills give you the power to consent to life support and draw the line at certain treatments, ensuring your wishes will be respected.

2. Avoid Onerous Medical Expenses

Long-term care for someone on life support can be extremely expensive, placing an enormous financial burden on your family. Many who choose to write a living will do so to spare their family from the enormous medical expenses associated with their care and make sure they have the resources to move on.

3. Prevent Arguments & Fighting

If one person is charged with making medical decisions, other family members may disagree. The arguments that stem from these unfortunate situations can tear a family apart, causing rifts that may never be repaired. A living will allows you to make your own choices, which your family members will have to accept.
 

For over 30 years, Debra A. Brown has provided Torrington, CT, residents with excellent legal services and advice, with a heavy focus on elder law and estate planning. If you haven’t written a living will, visit her website to see how she can help, or schedule your consultation by calling (860) 496-7717 today.