Benefits of adding a living will to your Indiana estate plan

When drafting your estate plan, you should include more than just the distribution of your assets. A comprehensive estate plan will also protect your preferences, and ensure that your wishes are respected even while you are alive. To better understand its importance, the Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft discuss the advantages of adding a Living Will to your Indiana estate plan. The Indianapolis attorneys at

Frank& Kraft

explain the benefits of adding a living will to your Indiana estate planning. These directives are governed by state-specific laws. There is no guarantee medical providers will follow the directives you have provided if you become incapacitated. Why Include a Living Will In Your Estate Plan?

If your Living Will is not valid, your healthcare decisions could be made by your family, doctors, or even a court appointed guardian. This can lead to delayed care, emotional stress, or decisions which may not align with you and your values. Include a Living Will into your estate plan to ensure that your healthcare decisions are respected and followed even if you can’t communicate them. Among the significant advantages of incorporating a Living Will into your Indiana estate plan are:

Providing Control Over Your Medical Care:

• By specifying your preferences, you retain control over critical decisions, including life-prolonging treatments, resuscitation, and pain management. This ensures that your care reflects your values rather than defaulting to standard practices that may not align with your beliefs.Reducing the Stress for Loved Ones:
• A Living Will spares your family the emotional burden of making difficult medical choices during a crisis. With your wishes clearly outlined, they can focus on supporting you rather than guessing what you might have wanted.Minimizing the Risk of Family Disputes:
• In the absence of clear instructions, disagreements can arise among family members about the best course of action. A Living Will helps prevent conflict by providing legally binding guidance that everyone must follow.Compliance with Indiana Laws:
• When properly prepared, your Living Will should comply with Indiana’s legal requirements, giving healthcare providers clear authority to follow your instructions and reducing the chance of challenges or confusion.Works Alongside Other Estate Planning Tools:
• A Living Will complements other documents like a Health Care Power of Attorney. The Power of Attorney appoints someone to make your decisions, but the Living Will provides specific instructions that they must follow. By including a living will in your estate planning, you can ensure that your medical care is aligned with your values and protect your loved ones from unnecessary conflict. For more information, join us at an upcoming FREE seminar. Contact the Indianapolis estate planning attorneys of Frank & Kraft

for an appointment. Read More!

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