Most Americans understand the importance of having a last will, but many people don’t know they should also create a living will. Living wills clearly explain your medical wishes to family members and your medical team if you cannot convey them yourself.
When creating a living will in Texas, there are three common mistakes you and your family should avoid:
Failing to Distribute Copies
Make several copies of your living will document and distribute them to the appropriate parties. Some find it helpful to email the document to themselves and their family, ensuring an electronic copy is always an inbox search away during an emergency. You may also want to print and complete a Personal Information Organizer to share with trusted friends and family.
Never Updating Your Living Will
As with most things, your medical wishes will likely change with age. While updating a living will can sometimes be costly, members of Texas Legal are able to update their estate plans once per plan year. Be sure to update your living will regularly to ensure it is accurate with your current values and accounts for changes in medical technology.
Not Informing Family
If your family is not informed about your living will, they may inadvertently go against your wishes during an emergency. Conversations can sometimes be hard regarding potential end-of-life care, but it’s necessary to inform your family so that your medical care is reflective of what you want.
ESTATE PLANNING BENEFITS WITH TEXAS LEGAL
As a member of Texas Legal, you are able to update or create an estate plan once a plan year*. The normal cost of these services without a Texas Legal Membership can range from $350 – $2,500. This is in addition to a wealth of covered legal services including family law, civil & criminal defense, and more.
Not a member of Texas Legal? Join for as little as $28 a month. If you are a veteran or bank with a credit union, your monthly cost could be even lower. Find out what your rate is today.
The Estate Planning benefit covers participating attorney’s billable time that may include a will with trusts OR living trust. Note: Texas Legal will only cover one individual or one joint (Named Participant and spouse) estate planning per plan year. For more details regarding your specific plan and available benefits, please contact Texas Legal at 1-800-252-9346 or members@texaslegal.org.