A living will is a legal document that details a person’s wishes in regards to their medical care if they become incapacitated and are unable to make decisions regarding their medical care themselves. Living wills are also known as health care directives or advance directives and typically refer to life sustaining medical treatments, but can encompass any type of medical treatment.

In a living will, you can specify which types of medical treatments you want and which you refuse in the event that you become incapacitated, are in a permanent vegetative state or suffer from a terminal illness. A living will does not become effective until you become incapacitated, and up until that point, you will be able to make decisions regarding your medical care yourself.

For a living will to be considered legal, it must be drawn up by an attorney. While there are some “do it yourself” living will products out there, they can be difficult to understand and aren’t always considered applicable when they are put into effect – at which point, you can do nothing to change it. It is best to consult with an experienced attorney who can assist you in drawing up a living will that makes your end of life wishes known, and that will be honored should you ever be in a situation where your living will becomes active.

Contact Grogan & Souto, P.C. today to schedule a consultation to discuss creating your living will. We are available now to assist you. (845) 294-6155.