It is a common misconception that a “Will” covers everything. In reality, a standard estate planning package includes four distinct documents: the Will, a Durable Power of Attorney, a Health Care Power of Attorney, and a Living Will. While the standard Will addresses what happens after death, the other three focus on your care while you are still alive.

 

What is a Living Will

The primary purpose of the Living Will is for you to give clear instructions to medical providers regarding the use of life support in three situations at the end of life. By documenting these wishes in advance, you ensure your preferences are honored and relieve your loved ones of the burden of making these agonizing choices at a time when emotions are raw.

 

The Three Activation Scenarios

Irreversible Terminal Condition

  • You have a condition that cannot be cured and death is imminent. The document directs doctors to remove life support and allow a natural death.

Permanent Unconsciousness

  • If you are in a permanent vegetative state with no hope of regaining consciousness, the document authorizes the removal of life support.

Advanced Dementia

  • If the disease has progressed to the point where you can no longer swallow and require a feeding tube to survive, the Living Will provides instructions on whether to proceed with such intervention.

 

With a Living Will, you appoint a person to administer the provisions of the document. That person doesn’t make decisions for you. Instead, they act as your advocate, speaking to medical providers on your behalf telling them what to do at the end of your life as laid out in your Living Will. You have not put the person appointed in the uncomfortable position of deciding whether to remove life support. You have only asked them to make sure your stated wishes are carried out. There is one exception to these rules. You can give the person you appoint under your Health Care Power of Attorney the authority to override the instructions in your Living Will.

 

Critical Considerations for Your Plan

A Living Will is not a “one-size-fits-all” form. You should customize it based on your personal values:

  • Nutrition and Hydration: You must specifically decide if you want medical professionals to provide artificial nutrition (feeding tubes) or hydration (IV fluids) once the Living Will is activated.
  • Expert Consultation: Before signing, talk to medical professionals about the realities of life support and end-of-life care to ensure your instructions are practical and clear.
  • Avoid the “Overlooked” Trap: Many people rush through these documents, but the Living Will is often the most under-appreciated part of an estate plan. Take the time to think deeply about your wishes.

 

Comparison of Advanced Directives

Document Primary Purpose Timeline
Last Will & Testament Asset distribution and guardianship. After death.
Health Care Power of Attorney Appoints someone to make medical decisions if you are incapacitated. While alive.
Living Will Specific instructions on life-sustaining treatments. While alive (at end-of-life).

 

 

 

Disclaimer:

This information is presented for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any investment products. None of the information herein constitutes an investment recommendation, investment advice or an investment outlook. The opinions and conclusions contained in this report are those of the individual expressing those opinions. This information is non-tailored, non-specific information presented without regard for individual investment preferences or risk parameters. Some investments are not suitable for all investors; all investments entail risk and there can be no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. This information is based on sources believed to be reliable and Alhambra is not responsible for errors, inaccuracies, or omissions of information. For more information contact Alhambra Investments at 1-888-777-0970 or email us at info@alhambrapartners.com.