What are the Advantages of a Living Will?
A living will is a core component of a comprehensive estate plan. It is a legal document that outlines a person’s preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care in the event that they become incapacitated and unable to express their own wishes. According to data cited by Gallup, around 45 percent of American adults report that they have a living will. At Poulos LoPiccolo PC, we help people set up personalized estate plans. Here, our Monmouth County living will attorney provides an overview of advantages of setting up a living will in New Jersey.
Control Over Your Own Medical Care
Health care is deeply personal. What happens towards the end of life—or in another situation—when you cannot directly weigh in on your own medical needs? A living will helps to ensure that your wishes are followed. It allows you to decide in advance about life-sustaining treatments, pain management, and other critical choices. Without a living will, medical decisions may fall to doctors or loved ones who may not know your wishes. A living will is legally enforceable.
Clarity for Your Family and Other Loved Ones
Another major advantage of a living will is that it provides clarity to your loved ones. No person wants to leave their family stressed out and confused during already challenging times. When a medical crisis strikes, your family may struggle with making difficult choices on your behalf. A living will provides clear guidance on your wishes. It prevents loved ones from having to guess what you would want. For obvious reasons, that can help to relieve what would be an overwhelming burden.
Reduced Risk of a Serious Dispute
If there is no living will in place, your family could easily end up in a serious dispute over what exactly should be done regarding your medical care. Differing opinions about what should be done can create tension, conflict, and, in the most serious cases, even legal battles. With clear, legally documented instructions, there is far less room for a bad dispute. Your loved ones will not have to argue over what is best for you. Your living will can be your voice.
Peace of Mind for You and Your Family
A well-developed estate plan can help to provide true, reliable peace of mind to you and your family. A living will offers deep reassurance to both you and your loved ones. Knowing that your medical preferences are documented and will be honored can bring a great sense of relief. Your family will not have to make painful, uncertain decisions about your care.
Contact Our New Jersey Living Will Lawyer Today
At Poulos LoPiccolo PC, our New Jersey estate planning attorney is standing by, ready to help you craft a living will. We put the rights and interests of people and families first. If you have any questions about living wills, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a fully confidential consultation. We provide estate planning services in Monmouth County and all across New Jersey.
Source:
news.gallup.com/poll/312209/prevalence-living-wills-slightly.aspx
