Medical decisions are one of the most important parts of an estate plan. It is about more than just passing on assets. You have to consider that you may become incapacitated in the future. For example, if you have a stroke and cannot make medical decisions, you need to have a plan in place.
One way to do this is with a living will, which simply gives you a chance to list these instructions. For instance, maybe you know that you would never want to be kept on life support, no matter what happens. You can leave that instruction in your living will. If doctors inform your family that life support is the only option, they already know that you do not want to pursue it. This takes pressure off of your family because they do not have to make the decision themselves.
A power of attorney
Another option is to use a power of attorney. By doing so, you select an agent who will make your decisions when necessary, rather than making those decisions yourself. You officially give this person the power to make your medical choices, which could include deciding if life support is a wise idea or not.
One of the reasons why a power of attorney can be more effective than a living will is that your agent can carefully make the decision based on the information available at the time. With the living will, you are only guessing about what choices you would want to make in the future. You do not know if you will become incapacitated or what that situation will look like. However, your agent with a medical power of attorney can work closely with your doctors to decide what would be best for you and your family.
Both living wills and powers of attorney are important parts of an estate plan to consider when looking into your legal options.
