We all remember the feeling of invincibility that comes with being young. For some of us, it was not that long ago that planning for serious medical issues, terminal illnesses, and debilitating accidents did not so much as cross our minds. Unfortunately, these events can affect us at any age, no matter what stage in life we are in. That is why it is crucial to establish an estate plan and make your end-of-life care wishes known to your loved ones.
Establishing a living will is just one way to organize your wants and needs. Let us share some commonly asked questions from our clients about living wills so you can determine whether it is the right estate plan to fit your unique planning needs.
What is a living will?
A living will is a legally binding document that details your end-of-life medical care wishes. The will does not take effect until it is determined that you are in a terminal condition, end stage condition, or persistent vegetative state. A crucial component of a living will is choosing how you want important decisions during this time made on your behalf.
How flexible is a living will?
One of the main benefits of establishing a living will is the flexibility it provides you, the creator. After the creation of the document, you may update, add, or remove any provisions in the document with your attorney. As the pass, circumstances change. You are not bound to the same provisions you created ten or twenty years ago.
When is considered too early to create a living will?
It is never too early to start thinking about your estate plan, and this includes your living will. Be proactive while you still have the opportunity to be. Whether you just turned 18 or 80, leaving your loved ones with a detailed set of instructions will allow you all to rest assured a plan is in place in the event of an accident or serious illness.
We understand there are many planning options to consider and we want you to think through your estate planning needs carefully. Remember, we are here to be a resource for you and help guide you in your decisions. These are just a few of the commonly asked questions we receive about living wills. If you have more questions, do not hesitate to call our firm and schedule a meeting.