You may already 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 medical professionals and family members in the event you are not able to convey your wishes yourself. Sadly, in the state of Texas living wills are rarer than they should be.
It’s never too early to prepare, and legal protection can help you in the event you’d like to create a living will. You may be able to find some information on living wills on your lawyer’s website — after all, a recent survey found that 49 percent of consumers would be likely to consult legal websites where they could post questions and have them answered immediately. If you do opt to create a living will in Texas, there are some potential pitfalls you’ll want to watch out for. Here are three common mistakes of living wills that you should avoid:
Failing to Distribute Copies
Of the small percentage of clients who choose to create living wills, barely half of them distribute copies of their living will to physicians and family members. If your living will is locked away in a desk or in a security deposit box, it will do absolutely no good until it’s too late to honor your medical wishes. Be sure to make several copies of your living will document and give them out to the pertinent parties.
Not Updating Over Time
Your medical wishes are likely to change with age. Medical care you once thought you’d want might not reflect your current opinions. If you created your living will when you were young and completely healthy, your wishes might change drastically if you become ill. Update your living will regularly to make sure it is in line with your current state of mind.
Family Not Informed
If your family is not informed about your medical wishes, they may try to override what you really want. They may mean well and believe they are doing what you’d truly desire, but it’s much better to have everyone on the same page so that your medical care is reflective of what you — and only you — want. Everyone involved in your care should support your wishes.
If you have further questions about Texas living wills or what kinds of legal services our plans provide, please contact us today.