Living Will Denver Colorado Attorney

Living Wills: An Innovative Solution to Future Estate Planning

Making decisions about your healthcare is an important part of life planning in Denver, CO. Most of us hope to stay healthy and independent for as long as possible. But, there might come a time when you’re unable to make choices for yourself due to illness or injury. This is where a living will might help you, as well as the assistance of a trusted living will Denver Colorado attorney.

Having a living will in place can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. In this article, we will explain what a living will is and how it can benefit you. We will also explain how you can prepare one for your future endeavors.

Quick Summary:

• A living will is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment in case of illness or injury. A living will helps prevent conflict by ensuring your loved ones and medical professionals know your wishes for medical care. In Colorado, you must be 18 years old or older to create a legally valid living will.
• A living will take effect when you can’t speak for yourself and have a serious medical condition. You can update your living will at any time as your wishes or health situation changes. These can include situations such as divorce or changes in your beliefs.
• An attorney can ensure your living will is legally sound, comprehensive, and clear. They can also advise you on how to update your living will in the future.

What is a Living Will?

A living will, is a legal document that expresses your wishes for medical treatment in the event of an illness. It is also known as an advance directive. Think of a living will as a way to give yourself a voice in your healthcare future. A living will can help you even if you can’t speak for yourself at some point.

A living will outline your preferences for specific medical treatments, particularly life-sustaining measures. It explains what to do with the systems and medical treatments your body needs. These treatments and systems include things like:

• Life support systems
• Ventilation
• Artificial nutrition or hydration
• Resuscitation
• Dialysis
• Organ and tissue donation
• And other details, such as religious beliefs that prohibit certain medical practices.

Your living will can also choose a healthcare proxy to assist you. A healthcare proxy is a trusted person you allow to make medical decisions for you. That applies once you’re incapacitated or unable to make decisions for yourself.

Notably, a living will does not help you manage your assets during your lifetime and after your death. Instead, a living trust is the estate planning tool for the unfortunate event of a person’s death.

Why Do I Need a Living Will?

Creating a living will effectively communicate your wishes in the event of an illness or accident. A living will allows you a permanent form of communication with loved ones despite incapacitation. You gain visible benefits from preparing your living will beforehand, such as:

Conflict Prevention in the Future

Knowing your healthcare wishes are documented provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. It ensures your preferences are respected, even if you can’t communicate them directly. A living will provides clear instructions, minimizing the risk of conflict and emotional strain.

Proper Medical Treatment

Medical emergencies can be stressful, and loved ones may disagree about the best action step. Your living will ensures healthcare professionals also understand your wishes. With this, they can provide treatment that aligns with your values and priorities. A living will enables you to keep control over your healthcare decisions.

What is the Minimum Age Requirement for Writing a Living Will?

In Colorado, there is a minimum age requirement for creating a living will. Generally, you must be 18 years old or older to have a legally valid living will. That ensures you are of sound mind and can make informed decisions about your healthcare.

When and How Does a Living Will Take Effect?

A living will doesn’t come into effect simply because you create it. It becomes relevant only when you are incapacitated and unable to communicate. For your living will to be used, one or more doctors will need to determine that you are incapacitated. That means you cannot understand the information needed to make medical decisions or communicate your wishes.

The doctors will also assess your medical condition. Your living will apply in situations where you have:

• A terminal illness
• Permanent unconsciousness
• Or another serious condition, such as a debilitating injury.

Once doctors establish your incapacity and medical condition, they will consult your living will. Your living will may designate a healthcare proxy, who will work with doctors based on your documented wishes and their understanding of your values.