Why you should consider the benefits of a living will

Everyone needs an estate plan, even Phoenix-area residents who do not have significant assets or great wealth. You may know that you could benefit from the protections provided by an estate plan, yet you may not realize that simply having a will may not be enough. There are other tools that you can add to your estate plan that can afford you additional protection in certain situations, such as in the event of incapacitation.

While it is unlikely that you will need the protections provided by it, a living will can shield your interests and those of your loved ones in the event that you are unable to express your wishes and make decisions regarding your own care. These kinds of situations are difficult for Arizona families, but having a strong estate plan in place can make it easier for all parties.

What is a living will?

Despite its name, a living will is not really a will at all. It is a legal document that allows a person to specifically outline the types of care and treatment they would want in case of incapacitation. Some people mistakenly believe that a living will only directs doctors to withhold medical treatment, but that is not the case. Consider the benefits that a living will can provide you:

• Your living will can include information about your wishes regarding organ donation, resuscitation and tube feeding.
• A living will can allow you to ask for doctors to withhold certain types of treatment, but it can also allow you to ask for all types of treatment available.
• It can be beneficial to have a power of attorney as well as living will in order to ensure the protection of your interests and honoring of your wishes.

It is not pleasant think about possible incapacitation in the future, but it could be beneficial for you to have this added to your estate plan. Due to the sensitive and complex nature of the medical issues you need to address, you would be wise to seek help and guidance as you navigate this process.

A strong estate plan

Whether you already have a will or wish to draft one, it is prudent to consider all of the tools you may need to have a complete, strong estate plan in place. Your interests and those of your loved ones are at stake, and you have no time to lose in putting the necessary protections in place so that you can look forward to the future with confidence.