Healthcare Power of Attorney vs. Living Will

A living willis a legal document that guides your doctors, and health care agents (selected by you) regarding your wishes for medical treatment in the following situations:

• if you are terminally ill
• if you are in a coma
• if you are in the late stages of dementia/otherwise near the end of life

The living will gives you the ability to tell your physicians and doctors your wishes when it comes to life-prolonging measures in these situations listed above. The living will is an essential piece of a person’s estate plan because we never truly know when we might be faced with a life threatening situation, where a living will is necessary.

A health care power of attorneyis a legal document thatnames a person, and sometimes an alternate person who you authorize to make these health care decisions for you, in the instance youare unable to do so by yourself.

By planning ahead, you can make clear to others what type of treatment you want in most medical situations, this makes it easier for your family to make decisions during moments of grief and crisis. By creating and signing these documents it is a way to initiate a conversation with your loved ones about your wishes and is a way to be able to control what happens at the end of your life. We know it may be hard to think about moments where you are unable to make decisions for your health, but that is why it is most important.

A living will and healthcare power of attorney document is part of Adkins Law PLLC Estate Planning packages. Contact us today to find out what packages we offer for Estate Planning, and which is better for your family. Call us or text us to schedule an appointment.