In Florida and elsewhere, reports of people suffering catastrophic injuries in accidents appear in the media every day. It’s one reason why estate planning is so important. While many accident victims have made plans to cover such circumstances, others believe that documents such as living wills are for the rich. However, regardless of a person’s economic standing, an advance directive can speak for an individual when he or she unable to do so.
A living will is a legal document in which the individual can describe his or her specific wishes for treatment in circumstances such as a coma, catastrophic injuries, dementia or a terminal illness. The purpose of the document will be to indicate to medical professionals and caregivers how the victim wants to be treated. If the individual’s condition requires a decision about life support, an advanced directive indicating the victim’s wishes may spare the family the trauma of making such decisions.
While drafting such a document may seem morbid, help is available to get it done without too many problems. The person will have to name a health care or medical power of attorney who will make decisions on the incapacitated person’s behalf. It is often advised that more than one person is named for that purpose because circumstances change over time and the original person of choice may no longer be available.
To ease the process of drafting a living will, many Florida individuals choose to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney. With professional guidance and support, the client can draft a document that will address all the necessary aspects. Moreover, the client can include directives about organ donation, autopsy and more.
Source: thedailyreporter.com, “Who will speak for you when you can’t speak for yourself?”, Karri Gruner, Dec. 17, 2016