A living will is an essential estate planning tool that carries your advanced medical directives and end-of-life care instructions. Though most young adults tend to overlook this legal document, any individual who is at least 18 years old and of sound mind can create one for themselves.
To help provide a better understanding on this topic, here are two vital details about an Arizona living will that you should know about:
How can I create a living will?
For an Arizona living will to be valid, your document must be created in writing and signed in front of two competent witnesses or a notary public. Your witnesses must not be your spouse, your blood relatives and anyone else who is a beneficiary of your estate.
Keep in mind that your living will can only take effect when a physician has certified that you are physically and/or mentally incapacitated. When you are in this state, it means that you are no longer able to communicate your healthcare decisions.
How does a living will work?
When you create a living will, you empower yourself to make your own end-of-life care decisions in the event that you fall into an irreversible coma, a persistent vegetative state or reach the final stage of your terminal illness.
Your legal document can include instructions about your pain management, artificial tube feeding, dialysis and organ donation. It can also discuss whether you consent or refuse the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
To leave this world with grace
Even if preparing for your future end-of-life care seems eerie to think about, planning for it can help ensure that your personal medical preferences can be honored by your family and your health care providers.