Answers To 3 Common Questions About Living Wills

More and more people today find themselves considering what will happen if illness prevents them from making their own decisions. For many people, the answer can be found in creating a living will. If you would like to learn more about what this type of document can do for you, read on. This article will provide answers to three of the most common questions about living wills.

What is a living will?

A living will, also know as an advance health care directive, is a type of legal document consisting of written instructions that outline your desires regarding things like medical care and treatment. It helps those who are caring for you to establish what types of actions you would like taken on your behalf.

A living will only comes into play when you can no longer make such decisions on your own. Caretakers may consult your will for end-of-life decisions, as well as unexpected circumstances such as comas or strokes. Without a living will, the decisions made on your behalf may not be the same as what you would have made yourself.

Does making a living will require an attorney?

No, you do not need to consult with an attorney in order to draw up a living will.

That said, many people find it easier to consult with a lawyer who specializes in drawing up such wills. The experience and knowledge possessed by these individuals may be able to help you create a more comprehensive document. For instance, a will that takes into account a variety of circumstances that you may have not considered on your own. 

If you choose to create a living by yourself, you must be sure that your living will complies with the relevant statutes in your state. It is also important to realize that, in order to be legally binding, your living will must be notarized if you live in one the following states:

• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee

Can a living will be changed later on?

Yes, you may certainly choose to revise or redact your living will at any point. However, any such revisions must follow the same process used in creating the original document, otherwise they may not be binding. It is also important to make sure that copies of the revised will are provided to those most likely to be acting on your behalf. To avoid confusion, be sure to destroy any copies of the old version. To draft a will or revise your current will, call the professionals at Eloise Taylor P.A. 

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