Austin Probate Lawyer

Benefits of an Advanced Directive

As medical technology becomes more and more effective in keeping people alive, the need to make your own advanced directive becomes more and more applicable. An advanced directive, also known as a "living will" is a document that is created by an individual while they are alive, and are in good mental condition.

Advanced directives are usually made in regards to a person’s wishes to what kinds of treatments they would or would not like to be given if they are rendered unconscious or become mentally unable to make decisions for themselves. For example, if you become injured and are lying conscious in the hospital with no hope of recovering consciousness, a living will can instruct your family and doctors if you wish to be kept on life support or if you wish to be let go.

Advanced directives and living wills must be prepared by the person who the will is for. A person designing their own advanced directive should consult physicians, health professions, and a lawyer so that the person’s wishes will be specifically spelled out, and left with no room for misinterpretation.

A person also needs to inform their family members of the existence of their advanced directive and where it can be found. It would also be a good idea to explain the advanced directive to their family members, so that everyone is clear on what the wishes mean.

Talk to an Austin Probate Lawyer

If you have questions about making a living will or other probate legal questions, contact the Austin probate lawyers of Slater, Kennon, & Jameson, LLP at 512.338.1102 to speak with a trusted attorney today.