A living will is an important instrument that instructs your physicians on making life-support decisions on your behalf. It is a physician's directive that is designed to help you communicate your wishes about medical treatment at some time in the future when you are unable to make your wishes known because of illness or injury. Consider if you are suffering from either a terminal illness with months to live or an irreversible condition that you cannot care for yourself and expected to die. In those situations decide if you want only treatments to keep you comfortable and let you die in peace or if you want to be kept alive in a terminal/irreversible condition as long as medical science will provide.
It is important not to put that burden on your friends and family, but carefully consider and provide such instruction according to your wishes. Providing an advance instruction about healthcare preferences can alleviate family discord, guilt and even legal claims over medical care. If you understand your medical condition and the effect of the proposed medical treatment the health care providers will consult with you instead of looking to your living will.
Secure Your Future: Join Our Estate Planning Webinar