Living Wills and Why You Need One

Depending on your age, family situation, and general health, you'll get different answers from different people when it comes to the question of whether or not you should look into living wills. At the very least, however, you should at least consider the possibility. Something tragic can happen even to those that are the picture of health in their early 30s. Life is an unpredictable beast and you don't want that unpredictability to cause undue stress and confusion among those closest to you. Dealing with tragedy is hard enough without struggling with questions best left to you. If you are thinking about drafting one, here are some reasons why you should.

Preventing Unwanted Procedures

You and you alone should be the one who decides what happens to you in terms of medical procedures. When you're incapacitated or unable to make these decisions, however, that responsibility falls to either the healthcare professionals or to your loved ones. This can be a difficult decision to make for yourself. Imagine how much more difficult it is for those who love you. Living wills put the power in your hands, allowing you to make the decision when you're of sound mind.

Universal Application

Living wills have power of authority over any health care practitioner you are taken to. It is the law that the provider of the health care must obey your wishes. This doesn't mean, of course, that you can make absurd requests in your missive, and you cannot request euthanasia. The will does not supersede the law. However, it will direct the healthcare practitioner against performing CPR, keeping you alive by artificial means, and other choices that are best left to the patient. Whether you are taken to a hospital, a clinic, or are in the care of hospice, these instructions will be followed.

It Can Be Changed

Living wills are called that to distinguish them from a last will and testament, which guides relatives how to distribute your estate once you are deceased. But the term carries with it a second, unintentional meaning that also adequately describes the power you have over the instructions. You can change them at any time. If you decide a year from now that your views have changed, all you need to do is make the proper changes to the will. It is always best to draft the original will and make any changes with the help of a lawyer, so you can be sure that your wishes will be respected legally.