What is a Living Will?

It’s probably not often that you let someone else make your decisions for you. Whether it’s where you’re going to live, what you’re doing for a living, or what you’re having for lunch, making your own decisions might just be the best thing about being an adult. Why would you leave the most important decisions to someone else?

Most people don’t like to think about what would happen if they were no longer able to make decisions for themselves. Worst-case scenario really takes on a whole other meaning when you’re really talking about the actual worst case. Just for a minute, though, imagine if you had a medical emergency and you were no longer able to make decisions regarding your medical care. Who would be left to make those decisions? Who has the right to make those decisions? What rights does your spouse have to enforce the wishes that you told them about late at night when no one else was around?  What happens if you have family members who disagree?

As you might have guessed, there is something better than uncertainty. You could leave it to competing family members and the Courts to determine what you really wanted, or with a very small amount of planning you can set forth your wishes, in writing, so that you, not your spouse, your parents, your children, or the state, make possibly the most important decisions of your life.

In Colorado, adults have the right, while they have capacity, to execute directives that can cover many medical decisions: life sustaining procedures, treatment, artificial nutrition and hydration, and general care. Your directive can vary as to whether you have a terminal condition or are in a persistent vegetative state. You can nominate an agent with a medical power of attorney who will be empowered to make sure your wishes are enforced or, if you so choose, to make different decisions for your care. While exact rules can vary from state-to-state, we can assist you in drafting your Living Will to adhere to the regulations wherever you live. We can also help you adjust your directive in case you move. 

Properly drafted and executed, a Living Will takes responsibility for your most important medical decisions out of the ether and squarely into your own hands. At The Arriola Law Firm we can assist you in drafting, executing, and preserving your Living Will. We strive to provide personal and efficient service to assist you in preparing for the most unexpected. For a low flat fee of $75.00 we can guide you step-by-step throughout the process.

There are too many situations we can’t prepare for. Plan today for the ones you can.