It is said that life is what happens when you’re busy making plans. Or, not making plans as we too often see in our line of work. We get it—no one wants to think of end of life issues or living wills. But one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your health care wishes are honored is by creating a living will.
At Borakove Osman LLC, we are a premier boutique Estate Planning, Trusts, and Business Planning Law firm. We have years of experience helping individuals and families secure peace of mind with comprehensive estate planning. Read on to see why now is the perfect time to create a living will.
What is a Living Will?
A living will, also known as an advance health care directive, is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment in situations where you are unable to communicate your decisions. It helps guide your loved ones and health care providers when critical choices need to be made about life-sustaining treatments, pain management, and other medical interventions.
Why You Need a Living Will Now
1. Protect Your Medical Decisions
- A living will ensures that your health care preferences are respected even if you are unable to communicate them yourself.
- It provides clear instructions to your doctors, preventing unwanted or unnecessary medical treatments.
2. It’s a Kindness for Your Loved Ones
- Family members often struggle with making tough medical decisions without clear guidance.
- A living will removes the burden of uncertainty and potential disagreements among relatives.
3. Avoid Unnecessary Medical Expenses
- Prolonged life-sustaining treatments can lead to significant medical bills.
- With a living will, you can specify which treatments you want or do not want, potentially reducing financial strain on your family.
4. Comply with Wisconsin State Laws
- Wisconsin recognizes living wills as a legally binding document under state law.
- Ensuring your living will meets all legal requirements means your wishes will be properly honored in medical settings.
5. Prepare for the Unexpected
- Accidents and illnesses can happen at any time, regardless of age or health status.
- Having a living will in place ensures that you are prepared for unforeseen medical circumstances.
What Should Be Included in a Living Will?
When drafting a living will, consider including:
- Preferences for Life-Sustaining Treatments: Such as ventilators, feeding tubes, and resuscitation.
- Pain Management and Comfort Care: Your preferences for pain relief and palliative care.
- Organ and Tissue Donation Wishes: Specify whether you wish to be an organ donor.
- Appointment of a Health Care Power of Attorney: Naming a trusted person to make health care decisions on your behalf if needed.
Reach out to Experienced Madison & Dane County Living Will Attorneys
Creating a living will requires careful thought and legal precision. At Borakove Osman LLC, our experienced estate planning attorneys will make sure that your living will is comprehensive, legally sound, and right for your specific needs. Let’s talk and discuss Wisconsin’s legal requirements, flesh out your medical preferences, and coordinate your living will with other estate planning documents. We’re here to guide you through each step of the process.