While most of us don’t want to think about the future after our own passing, it can sometimes be harder to contemplate a scenario where we don’t die but just become incapacitated in some way. However, thinking through these potentialities will allow you to make certain decisions in regards to your health, while simultaneously removing some of that burden from your loved ones. Therefore, reach out to an estate planning attorney regarding a living will. This is a legally binding document you can use to clarify your wishes regarding end-of-life medical care. Here’s an overview of what this involves.

An Estate Planning Guide to Drafting a Living Will 

What to Include 

Your living will should detail what kind of care you want to receive if you suffer from an injury or illness that leaves you incapacitated. There is a wide range of treatments you can discuss, but at the very least you’ll want to include your desires concerning palliative care, life-prolonging procedures, and nourishment.

Palliative care refers to the administration of drugs for pain management. Life-prolonging procedures may involve emergency surgeries, dialysis, blood transfusions, and artificial respiration. Whether or not you wish to be given artificial nutrition and hydration through feeding tubes or intravenously should also be made clear.

How to Ensure Your Wishes Are Carried Out

Each state has its own regulations for creating a living will—so consult an estate planning attorney to make sure it’s done according to the proper procedure. They’ll know your state’s laws and can also advise you on filling out the paperwork correctly. If you’re unsure of what you want, speaking with your health care providers can help bring you some clarity.

You should also discuss your preferences with family members so they know ahead of time what action to take in the event something happens. Additionally, you may ask one of them to take on the role of your health care power of attorney. This will grant them the authority to make decisions on your behalf for any issues that might not be addressed in your living will. 

For professional guidance drafting a living will that accurately expresses your end-of-life care decisions, reach out to The Law Offices of Bromm, Lindahl, Freeman-Caddy & Lausterer. They have extensive estate planning experience and can assist you in defining and achieving your goals. The firm has been helping Wahoo, NE, residents put together comprehensive estate plans since 1893. Call (402) 443-3225 to schedule a consultation or visit their website to learn more about the legal services they provide.