How to make a living will with an attorney?
A living will, also known as an advance directive, is a legal document that outlines your wishes for medical treatment if you become incapacitated and unable to communicate. Making a living will with an attorney is an important step in ensuring that your wishes are respected and that you receive the medical care you desire. Here are the steps to follow when making a living will with an attorney:
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Find an attorney.
The first step in making a living will with an attorney is to find an attorney who specializes in estate planning or healthcare law. You can ask for referrals from friends and family members or conduct an online search to find a qualified attorney in your area. Make sure that the attorney you choose has experience in drafting living wills and understands the laws in your state.
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Consider your medical treatment preferences.
Before meeting with your attorney, you should think about your medical treatment preferences in the event that you become incapacitated. You should consider the types of treatments you would or would not want to receive, such as artificial nutrition and hydration, pain management, and life-sustaining treatments. It is important to be as specific as possible to ensure that your living will accurately reflects your wishes.
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Consult with your attorney.
Once you have selected an attorney, you should schedule a consultation to discuss your medical treatment preferences and the process of creating a living will. Your attorney will explain the legal requirements for a living will and answer any questions you may have. They may also suggest additional provisions that can be included in your living will to ensure that your wishes are carried out.
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Draft the living will.
Your attorney will help you draft the living will, ensuring that it accurately reflects your wishes and complies with state law requirements. The living will should include a clear statement of your medical treatment preferences, such as whether you would like life-sustaining treatment, palliative care, or hospice care. Your attorney may also suggest including provisions for any contingencies or potential disputes.
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Review and revise the living will.
After drafting the living will, your attorney will review it with you to ensure that it accurately reflects your intentions. You may need to make revisions or clarify certain provisions. It is important to take your time and make sure that you are completely satisfied with the living will before signing it.
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Execute the living will.
Once you are satisfied with the living will, you need to execute it correctly. The person making the living will must sign the living will in the presence of witnesses, who must also sign the living will. The witnesses must be disinterested parties who are not named in the living will. Your attorney can guide you through the execution process to ensure that it is done correctly.
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Distribute the living will.
It is important to distribute copies of your living will to your healthcare providers and family members so that they are aware of your medical treatment preferences. You should also keep a copy of your living will in a safe place where it can be easily accessed if needed.
In conclusion, making a living will with an attorney can provide peace of mind and ensure that your wishes for medical treatment are respected. By following these steps, you can work with your attorney to create a legally binding living will that accurately reflects your intentions. It is important to keep your living will up-to-date and make revisions as needed to ensure that it continues to reflect your wishes.