Living Wills/Advance Directives

A Living Will or Advance Directive is a separate document from your Will. It is a document which specifies your wishes regarding medical treatment if you are unable to provide instructions.

This document allows you to choose what treatment you will refuse and in what circumstances. It is a detailed statement that becomes legally binding upon medical professionals when signed.

Some people prefer to write a Living Will instead of appointing Health and Welfare attorneys because you are choosing to put your instructions in writing. Therefore, if the situation arises when a decision needs to be made in regards to your medical treatment, it is your decision being acted upon rather than being left for the attorney to decide. It can often be a difficult and emotionally charged decision for an attorney to make. You can help your loved ones by making the decision in advance.