In addition to ordinary wills that state your wishes for your property when you die, the laws of some states permit “living wills” that instruct your doctors to withhold life support equipment while you are alive. A living will is important if you become comatose with no hope of regaining consciousness. Your “living will” should be written in a document separate from your ordinary will and you should re-sign and re-date it every few years to comply with your state law and to reaffirm your preferences. Give a copy of your “living will” to your doctors and to a close family member. Your lawyer can help you write a “living will” and advise you about re-signing it every few years to keep it valid.
You can include instructions for your funeral arrangements in your will. However, you may wish to put these instructions in a separate letter. Give a copy of the instructions to your executor or a family member or friend to avoid delays when you die. You can also include instructions about gifts of your body organs to hospitals for research or transplants. Such instructions for gifts of body organs can be noted on your driver’s license or a separate donor card that you can carry in your wallet.
Contact us today for a free consultation to see if a living will is the best option for you.