For those of us in Oklahoma, it is important to consider the importance of a living will. A living will is a legal document that outlines your healthcare preferences in the event that you are incapacitated and unable to express those wishes yourself. This document can provide peace of mind in an uncertain situation and is absolutely important to have in Oklahoma.
What is a Living Will?
A living will is an advance healthcare directive that provides instructions, such as end-of-life decisions and other medical wishes, in the event that you are incapacitated and are no longer able to express your desires. The document is intended to help family and healthcare providers understand your wishes in the event that you are unable to make decisions on your own.
Who Needs a Living Will?
Anyone of sound mind who is 18 years or older and is concerned about the kind of healthcare decisions that may be made for them in an emergency situation may create a living will. In addition, those who have chronic health issues or serious illnesses should consider creating a living will to have a say in their treatment and care in the event that they are unable to communicate.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Living Will?
A living will allows you to control your healthcare and reduces the stress that you family, friends, and healthcare providers face in an already complicated situation. It also helps to clearly communicate your wishes about treatments like CPR, life-support, and artificial nutrition and hydration so that there are no question about your desires.
How Do I Create a Living Will in Oklahoma?
The creation of a Oklahoma living will requires the expertise and experience of an experienced estate planning attorney. The attorney can provide guidance in how best to craft your document, what kind of instructions to include, and can ensure that all legal requirements are met. This is important because a living will must meet certain standards to be legally binding.
What Happens If I Don’t Have a Living Will?
If you do not create a living will, the laws of your state will generally determine what will happen to you in terms of healthcare decisions. This may or may not be in line with your wishes and could ultimately mean that the wrong decisions are made on your behalf.
Conclusion:
Creating a living will is an important part of any comprehensive estate plan, no matter where you live. For those of us in Oklahoma, it is vital to understand the importance of having a living will and the benefits it can provide. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you create the document and ensure that all legal requirements are met. Doing so can give you peace of mind in an uncertain situation, knowing that your wishes will be followed.
