Living wills are an important part of estate planning, providing important legal directives regarding your health care plans if you become incapacitated. Ensuring that this document provides clear instructions will help family members follow through with your wishes. Here are a few important things to consider when writing your living will.

3 Considerations When Writing a Living Will

1. Do You Want to Designate Power of Attorney?

Designating a trusted individual with power of attorney is essential for protecting your estate planning interests. You should select someone who understands your wishes, values, and will be able to make sound decisions regarding your end of life care. A spouse or other trusted family member often fulfills this role.

2. How Do You Feel About End of Life Care Options?

There are many medical treatments that could be used to sustain your life, such as mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, or dialysis. Consider whether you would want to use such treatments and for how long. Be mindful of different situations that could affect these situations, such as whether you would be in pain or if you were no longer mentally present. Some circumstances could cause you not to want to extend your life. Be sure to stipulate when you would or wouldn’t want to receive such life-saving care options.

3. Do You Want to Be Resuscitated?

Following an incident like a heart attack, medical providers will typically attempt to resuscitate the victim. However, you could include a do not resuscitate or do not intubate order in your living will. This is generally elected by those suffering from a chronic health condition or whose spouse has already passed away. Carefully evaluate your desires before putting such an order in your living will.

If you need help navigating estate planning or other family law matters, turn to Ronald D. Zipp, Attorney at Law in New Braunfels, TX. With over 40 years of legal practice, this attorney will help you make the right decisions for your unique situation. To learn more about this law office’s estate planning services or to request a free initial consultation, visit them online or call (830) 629-5600.