Connecticut Living Will Attorney

living will

If you are incapacitated, how do you want your loved ones to deal with your medical treatment?

With a living will, also known as a health care directive, you can ensure that your wishes are carried out. Let the estate planning attorneys at Kocian Law Group help you establish your living will.

 

What is a Living Will?

A living will outlines which life-prolonging treatments you want and which life-prolonging treatments you don’t want. It can also explain under what conditions such treatments will be applied and how long such treatments should continue. You can also decide when you would like to terminate all medical attempts to save or prolong your life.

If you are conscious and able to speak for yourself, you can make medical decisions that contradict your living will if you choose. The living will only controls in the event that injury or illness renders you incapable of stating your desires.

Does my living will cover every possible end of life situation?

On occasion, some situations arise that aren’t specifically covered in the living will. For this reason, it is recommended that you also create a power of attorney to supplement your living will. The power of attorney gives someone dependable the right to make any decisions that are not covered by your living will.

Who else should I talk to about my living will?

To get the most out of your living will, you should speak to your doctor. Health care providers can explain end-of-life treatment options and help you decide what’s best for you.

Also, informing your primary physician or health care provider of your living will helps ensure that it will be carried out. If doctors are unaware that your living will exists, they cannot adhere to it. Typically many hospitals will ask, upon admission or before an operation, if you have a living will. Preparing in advance can provide you with comfort and peace of mind.