Many people have preferences for the medical care they should receive if a serious illness or accident leaves them unable to communicate with their healthcare providers. A living will is an essential element of your estate plan and gives you the power to make medical decisions if you’re in a terminal condition or persistent vegetative state. Living wills provide peace of mind and spare your loved ones from making difficult choices.

A Brief Guide to Living Wills

What Instructions Can You Leave in a Living Will?

Living wills can be as broad or as narrowly tailored as you like, detailing what steps you would like doctors to take in certain situations. In your living will, you may approve or deny certain medical procedures, express your wishes regarding artificial life support, and describe acceptable outcomes.

How Living Wills Differ From Healthcare Powers of Attorney

Medical powers of attorney are intended for serious situations in which the patient is likely to make a recovery. For instance, if an accident renders you unconscious, your healthcare proxy will have the power to make important medical decisions on your behalf. Living wills are typically restricted to extreme situations which are likely terminal.

How to Prepare a Living Will

While online resources offer simple premade forms, these documents may not accurately express your wishes. In some cases, the language may be too broad to be medically useful, while narrowly tailored clauses may result in treatment you would not have wanted. Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney is the ideal approach, as they can craft a document that clearly expresses your wishes and accounts for unexpected situations.

Whether you’re planning your estate or need assistance drafting a living will, Alan A. Panek Law Office, S.C. in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, will deliver the detailed guidance and personal attention these critical matters deserve. This law firm has been serving clients throughout Wood, Adams, and Portage counties since 2002, giving them the experience to ensure your last wishes are respected. Visit their website for more on their comprehensive estate planning services, or call (715) 421-4900 to schedule your initial consultation today.