Why Do I Need A Living Will?

A key part of planning for the future is thinking about the extent of medical care you would want if you were incapacitated and had a terminal condition. Without the careful documentation of your wishes, you risk enduring procedures that you would not want for yourself.

A living will provides directions for end-of-life medical treatment, if you have a terminal condition and you’re unable to communicate your wishes due to incapacity, illness or injury. Without a living will, your spouse or next of kin can make end-of-life care decisions for you, but may contradict your own personal or religious beliefs for the use of life-sustaining treatments. A living will is an important necessity to ensure the documentation and knowledge of your medical preferences.

Health Care Power Of Attorney

A health care power of attorney allows you to assign decision-making authority regarding your health care to another person if you become incapacitated, or in the event of a serious injury or illness. In addition to making your wishes known through a living will, it can be valuable to name someone you trust to make health care decisions for you if a situation arises that requires immediate health care decisions for your benefit. It can also ensure the respect and documentation of your end-of-life care instructions.

Arizona has also established a mental health care power of attorney, which allows a designated person to make mental health care decisions for you in the event you become incapacitated due to a mental illness, including Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The creation of this specific power of attorney can eliminate the need for your family to pursue court orders to access the essential mental health care you may need.

Let Us Draft The Living Will You Need

At Lincoln & Wenk, PLLC, we understand the value of living wills, health care powers of attorney and other documents that can add to an estate plan. Whether you need a comprehensive estate plan or simply to add a living will or other health care documents to your current estate plan, we can help. With more than 25 years of combined experience, we can draft the documents you need to ensure the clear communication of your wishes regarding your health care.

To hear from past clients about the quality of help we provide, turn to our testimonials page.

Discuss Your Estate Planning Needs With A Lawyer

You deserve to have your wishes regarding your health care known. The estate planning lawyers of Lincoln & Wenk, PLLC, can help. To schedule an initial consultation, call 623-294-2464 or contact us online.