A living will, also known as an “advance healthcare directive,” is a legal document that outlines your preferences regarding end-of-life medical treatments and more. While it’s a difficult topic to confront, setting up this document can prevent your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions.

At Candela Law Firm, we find that clients seeking living wills in Tampa often feel peace of mind after the process is finalized. If you’re thinking about setting up a living will, here are some little-known facts to help you take the next step:

1. A living will is a binding legal document

Although you may have verbally expressed your wishes to a family member or loved one regarding your medical preferences, this is not enough if you become incapacitated. That’s why it’s so important to set up a living will or advance healthcare directive.

A living will is a binding legal document, so it makes your preferences regarding medical treatment official and enforceable.

2. Living wills aren’t just for the elderly or sick

It’s certainly more common for elderly or terminally ill individuals to set up a living will. However, it’s a good idea to have one in place even if you’re young and in great health. The truth is, accidents and unexpected illnesses can happen anytime.

With an advance healthcare directive in place, you can rest assured knowing that your preferences are laid out in case of emergencies.

3. Living wills cover much more than just life support

When you think of living wills and advance healthcare directives, life support is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But, these legal documents cover far more than that.

In the event you are medically incapacitated, a living will can outline your preferences regarding:

• Use of ventilators, feeding tubes, blood transfusions, surgeries, and other medical treatments.
• Whether you will receive palliative care, and if so, to what extent.
• If you want a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, and whether you’d like to be an organ donor.

4. An advance healthcare directive does not take away your rights to make medical decisions

Some are hesitant to set up an advance healthcare directive, because they fear it may take away their rights to make decisions regarding their medical care. Fortunately, this is just a myth.

A living will or advance healthcare directive does not override your current medical wishes, as long as you are still competent to make decisions regarding your care.

5. Your family members and loved ones can also benefit

You’re not the only one who will benefit from setting up your living will. You can also help those closest to you avoid having to make difficult decisions during a time when they’re already dealing with grief.

For instance, if you’re on life support and you don’t have a living will in place, then your doctor will likely ask your parents, surviving children, or closest family member to make end-of-life decisions on your behalf. A living will can help remove this burden.

Speak with an attorney to set up your living will in Tampa

Those seeking living wills in Tampa need the experience of a qualified legal team. At Candela Law Firm, our trusted attorneys will take the time to listen to your needs, and we will create a custom living will that fully outlines your preferences. Contact us today to get started.