Creating a living will is one of the most responsible things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. This document directs what should happen to you during the end stages of your life. For example, this type of will tells what you would like to happen if you are on life support or if you would like to be resuscitated. Here is a look at some questions people tend to have about a living will.
Do you have to hire a lawyer when you create a living will?
You do not necessarily have to hire a lawyer to create a living will; this is something you can do on your own. Most attorneys can supply you with the necessary paperwork to do so on your own. However, it is always good to have a legal professional look over the document and make sure everything is as it should be. Likewise, having a lawyer to consult will make the process easier if there are things on the paperwork you do not understand.
Why should you know your state's requirements regarding making a living will?
State laws govern how living wills are handled if something happens to you. For example, some states will require that the living will be notarized in order for it to be valid if something happens to you, but some states do not. You can talk to your attorney about what the laws are in your state, and they can help you make the proper adjustments.
Who should know about your living will?
Your closest living relatives should know about your living will. Some people make the mistake of disclosing the information to only one person, but if something happens to only that one person, the fact that you have a living will will not be known. Let your primary care physician know and at least two others in your close family.
How often should you update or revisit your living will?
It is a good idea to have a living will no matter how old you are, but this also means that the will does have to be revisited periodically to ensure all of your directives should remain the same. It is not a bad idea to revisit and reassess your living will every few years or every time there is a life change, such as a change in your family circumstances or a change in your health.
For more information, contact a resource like the Wright Law Offices, PLLC.
Share7 November 2019
While I took a few business classes in college, I left early to start my own business. I thought I had the knowledge I needed to become a great business owner and was eager to start my business. Soon, I had a new business that was actually performing pretty well in sales. Unfortunately, I hadn't taken any law courses in college, and I soon realized I made a few mistakes when starting my business that could cause me some legal trouble. Thankfully, a great business lawyer helped me correct my mistakes before I had any legal problems, but I then decided to take those business law courses. I want to help business owners and anyone else who would like to learn more about the law by starting a blog where I will share what I have learned and will continue to learn. I hope I can help you!