Share

Philadelphia PA Estate Planning Blog

Monday, October 11, 2010

Living Wills and End-Of-Life Instructions

 

A Living Will is not the same thing as a Last Will & Testament, which provides instructions for dividing your estate upon death. Instead, a Living Will describes your end-of-life health care preferences, and what is to happen if you become permanently unconscious and there is no hope of any recovery.

Your preferences for whether life support be withdrawn or not is only used after your health care agent and doctor(s) decide, together, that you have reached the point where there is no hope of any recovery.

Often, this is a difficult decision for many of our clients. Religious beliefs, personal feelings about death, and other considerations can affect a person’s end-of-life wishes.

It is crucial that you have a Living Will, regardless of the choices you make regarding your preferences.

Here are a few reasons why having this document is important:

  • Gives your health care agent/family certainty over your preferences
  • If your preference is to end your life when there is no hope for recovery, a hospital and doctor need to know
  • Avoids unnecessary conflict/uncertainty/bad feelings within your family
  • Gives you peace of mind knowing that you have control over this situation if you were ever to be in it.

Your Living Will should generally be reviewed every 3-5 years, and re-drafted and executed every 5-10 years. Why do you need to re-write it every 5-10 years? If you don’t, a hospital or doctor can question the validity of the document and your preferences, since they are considered outdated.

 

 

Let our firm assist you: Our firm offers a complimentary estate plan review and consultation. Please call us today at (215) 706-0200 or email us.

Pass the word on: If you know someone who can benefit by reading this blog, please forward it on to them, or subscribe your friend or family member through this link.


Archived Posts

2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2010
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


The Law Offices of Jeremy A. Wechsler assist clients with Estate Planning matters in Willow Grove, PA as well as Abington, Hatboro, Dresher, Horsham, Bryn Athyn, Huntingdon Valley, Fort Washington, Jenkintown, Glenside, Oreland, Warminister, Wyncote, Ambler, Elkins Park, Flourtown, Philadelphia, Warrington, Cheltenham, Gwynedd Valley, Jamison, Feasterville Trevose, Richboro, North Wales, Blue Bell, Lafayette Hill, King of Prussia, Collegeville, Oaks, Phoenixville, Oxford Valley, Langhorne, Penndel, Bristol, Fairless Hills, Bensalem, Plymouth Meeting, Furlong, Philadelphia County, Bucks County and Montgomery County.

© The Law Offices of Jeremy A. Wechsler | Disclaimer | Law Firm Website Design by Zola Creative



© 2020 The Law Offices of Jeremy A. Wechsler | Disclaimer
2300 Computer Avenue, Suite J-54, Willow Grove, PA 19090
| Phone: 215-706-0200

Wills and Trusts | Elder Law / Long Term Care | Probate / Estate Administration | Powers of Attorney | Life Insurance / Long-Term Care Insurance | Special Needs Planning | Same Sex Couple Planning | Asset Protection | Estate Planning For Pets | Trust Planning | Retirement Account Trusts | About Us | Resources

Attorney Website Design by
Amicus Creative