Living Wills in Cranberry Township

All too often, planning for the future places a strict focus on finances and assets. Yet, many people wonder how to handle unexpected situations that could arise. Living wills in Cranberry Township are one way to help you prepare for a situation that would leave you unable to communicate your wishes to your family. They are a valuable tool in future planning that can help prevent disputes and give you and your family peace of mind. If you have questions about a living will or would like assistance with the process, the experienced wills attorneys at Sechler Law Firm LLC can help. Contact us today to learn more.

What Is a Living Will?

A living will outlines your preferences for medical care if you become unable to make decisions during an emergency. It guides healthcare providers on treatments you wish to receive or avoid. Living wills offer flexibility, allowing you to specify the types of decisions included. Preparing a living will in Cranberry Township often involves choices about:

Appointing a Medical Power of Attorney

A Medical Power of Attorney is a person you choose to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. Choose someone you trust who handles stress well and can make decisions under pressure.

Making Decisions About Medical Treatments

Most people never talk about sudden illnesses or serious medical treatments, leaving loved ones unsure about crucial treatments. Your living will can specify treatments you would want and those you do not. Treatment decisions in your living will are called advance directives and may include:

  • CPR
  • Ventilators
  • Pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (including turning off existing devices)
  • Artificial nutrition and hydration (if you are unable to eat or drink)
  • Organ donation

You will have an opportunity to include any medical decisions you deem relevant when preparing your living will.

The Benefits of Preparing a Living Will

Without a living will, medical professionals will turn to your closest family members to make decisions about your medical treatments. This can place your loved ones under extreme stress if you haven’t had the opportunity to communicate your wishes. Sadly, disputes among family members are common when attempting to predict what a loved one would have wanted. Preparing a living will can help you and your family members navigate an already difficult situation with the following benefits.

  • Eliminating stress for family members
  • Completing a Medical Power of Attorney
  • Making your wishes about your medical care known
  • Eliminating financial burdens for your family members
  • Providing peace of mind for you and your family members
  • Avoiding treatments that go against your wishes or values

Unfortunately, there is no way to know when unexpected medical events will arise. Creating a living will in Cranberry Township gives you and your family the assurance that your medical decisions are already in place.

Contact an Experienced Attorney About Creating Your Living Will in Cranberry Township

Planning for the future means considering unexpected events that could upend your life and that of your closest loved ones. All too often, families avoid difficult conversations regarding potential health complications. However, addressing these concerns can provide a sense of security and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Just like your will, which provides legal guidance about your estate after your passing, living wills in Cranberry Township are powerful planning tools that can help you and your family prepare for a secure future. If you’re unsure about creating a living will or would like guidance through the process, give us a call to schedule a consultation. If you’d like to learn more about how you can prepare for an uncertain future, schedule a visit to an elder law workshop.