Living Will

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Emily65Roses

New member
I bought a copy of this to fill out:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.agingwithdignity.org/5wishes.html
">http://www.agingwithdignity.org/5wishes.html
</a>
It is legally binding in many states on its own. Some states require that it be notorized to be legal. And some states you need to go through a lawyer to make it legal. But in CT, for instance, it's 100% legal as is. So I just filled it out, signed it, had a witness sign it, and it's good to go.
 
E

Emily65Roses

New member
I bought a copy of this to fill out:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.agingwithdignity.org/5wishes.html
">http://www.agingwithdignity.org/5wishes.html
</a>
It is legally binding in many states on its own. Some states require that it be notorized to be legal. And some states you need to go through a lawyer to make it legal. But in CT, for instance, it's 100% legal as is. So I just filled it out, signed it, had a witness sign it, and it's good to go.
 
E

Emily65Roses

New member
I bought a copy of this to fill out:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.agingwithdignity.org/5wishes.html
">http://www.agingwithdignity.org/5wishes.html
</a>
It is legally binding in many states on its own. Some states require that it be notorized to be legal. And some states you need to go through a lawyer to make it legal. But in CT, for instance, it's 100% legal as is. So I just filled it out, signed it, had a witness sign it, and it's good to go.
 
E

Emily65Roses

New member
I bought a copy of this to fill out:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.agingwithdignity.org/5wishes.html
">http://www.agingwithdignity.org/5wishes.html
</a>
It is legally binding in many states on its own. Some states require that it be notorized to be legal. And some states you need to go through a lawyer to make it legal. But in CT, for instance, it's 100% legal as is. So I just filled it out, signed it, had a witness sign it, and it's good to go.
 
E

Emily65Roses

New member
I bought a copy of this to fill out:
<br />
<br /><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.agingwithdignity.org/5wishes.html
">http://www.agingwithdignity.org/5wishes.html
</a><br />
<br />It is legally binding in many states on its own. Some states require that it be notorized to be legal. And some states you need to go through a lawyer to make it legal. But in CT, for instance, it's 100% legal as is. So I just filled it out, signed it, had a witness sign it, and it's good to go.
 
N

NYCLawGirl

New member
Emily's right, the very first step is figuring out which forms of living will or healthcare proxy are legally recognized by your state. The easiest way to do this is to call your doctor and ask - almost all clinics and hospitals are on top of this information, and may even provide you with the forms for free or offer a counseling service for people wishing to make living wills. I know my clinic in Denver did this...I don't know about NY because I did them on my own here.

After you get the forms fill them out as thoroughly as possible. The more clear you are about your wishes the tougher it will be for anyone to go against them or misinterpret them later. There may be parts of the will that you haven't thought about or don't wish to fill out - generally this will not invalidate the rest of the document if you leave these sections blank. I can't say for sure if that's always the case though, so again it's good to check with someone from your clinic or a local attorney.

Finally, go over your living will with the people close to you who may (God forbid) be called on to make the tough decisions. The will is as much for their benefit as yours - i.e., to keep them from being forced to make tough calls without knowing what you would want. Be clear about why you chose the options you did so that they are on board with your wishes. This will also help if you leave the state and something happens because your family will know what decisions to make and will feel comfortable doing so if there is a legal issue about the validity of the living will.

Hope that's helpful. The sites already posted are a good place to start!
 
N

NYCLawGirl

New member
Emily's right, the very first step is figuring out which forms of living will or healthcare proxy are legally recognized by your state. The easiest way to do this is to call your doctor and ask - almost all clinics and hospitals are on top of this information, and may even provide you with the forms for free or offer a counseling service for people wishing to make living wills. I know my clinic in Denver did this...I don't know about NY because I did them on my own here.

After you get the forms fill them out as thoroughly as possible. The more clear you are about your wishes the tougher it will be for anyone to go against them or misinterpret them later. There may be parts of the will that you haven't thought about or don't wish to fill out - generally this will not invalidate the rest of the document if you leave these sections blank. I can't say for sure if that's always the case though, so again it's good to check with someone from your clinic or a local attorney.

Finally, go over your living will with the people close to you who may (God forbid) be called on to make the tough decisions. The will is as much for their benefit as yours - i.e., to keep them from being forced to make tough calls without knowing what you would want. Be clear about why you chose the options you did so that they are on board with your wishes. This will also help if you leave the state and something happens because your family will know what decisions to make and will feel comfortable doing so if there is a legal issue about the validity of the living will.

Hope that's helpful. The sites already posted are a good place to start!
 
N

NYCLawGirl

New member
Emily's right, the very first step is figuring out which forms of living will or healthcare proxy are legally recognized by your state. The easiest way to do this is to call your doctor and ask - almost all clinics and hospitals are on top of this information, and may even provide you with the forms for free or offer a counseling service for people wishing to make living wills. I know my clinic in Denver did this...I don't know about NY because I did them on my own here.

After you get the forms fill them out as thoroughly as possible. The more clear you are about your wishes the tougher it will be for anyone to go against them or misinterpret them later. There may be parts of the will that you haven't thought about or don't wish to fill out - generally this will not invalidate the rest of the document if you leave these sections blank. I can't say for sure if that's always the case though, so again it's good to check with someone from your clinic or a local attorney.

Finally, go over your living will with the people close to you who may (God forbid) be called on to make the tough decisions. The will is as much for their benefit as yours - i.e., to keep them from being forced to make tough calls without knowing what you would want. Be clear about why you chose the options you did so that they are on board with your wishes. This will also help if you leave the state and something happens because your family will know what decisions to make and will feel comfortable doing so if there is a legal issue about the validity of the living will.

Hope that's helpful. The sites already posted are a good place to start!
 
N

NYCLawGirl

New member
Emily's right, the very first step is figuring out which forms of living will or healthcare proxy are legally recognized by your state. The easiest way to do this is to call your doctor and ask - almost all clinics and hospitals are on top of this information, and may even provide you with the forms for free or offer a counseling service for people wishing to make living wills. I know my clinic in Denver did this...I don't know about NY because I did them on my own here.

After you get the forms fill them out as thoroughly as possible. The more clear you are about your wishes the tougher it will be for anyone to go against them or misinterpret them later. There may be parts of the will that you haven't thought about or don't wish to fill out - generally this will not invalidate the rest of the document if you leave these sections blank. I can't say for sure if that's always the case though, so again it's good to check with someone from your clinic or a local attorney.

Finally, go over your living will with the people close to you who may (God forbid) be called on to make the tough decisions. The will is as much for their benefit as yours - i.e., to keep them from being forced to make tough calls without knowing what you would want. Be clear about why you chose the options you did so that they are on board with your wishes. This will also help if you leave the state and something happens because your family will know what decisions to make and will feel comfortable doing so if there is a legal issue about the validity of the living will.

Hope that's helpful. The sites already posted are a good place to start!
 
N

NYCLawGirl

New member
Emily's right, the very first step is figuring out which forms of living will or healthcare proxy are legally recognized by your state. The easiest way to do this is to call your doctor and ask - almost all clinics and hospitals are on top of this information, and may even provide you with the forms for free or offer a counseling service for people wishing to make living wills. I know my clinic in Denver did this...I don't know about NY because I did them on my own here.
<br />
<br />After you get the forms fill them out as thoroughly as possible. The more clear you are about your wishes the tougher it will be for anyone to go against them or misinterpret them later. There may be parts of the will that you haven't thought about or don't wish to fill out - generally this will not invalidate the rest of the document if you leave these sections blank. I can't say for sure if that's always the case though, so again it's good to check with someone from your clinic or a local attorney.
<br />
<br />Finally, go over your living will with the people close to you who may (God forbid) be called on to make the tough decisions. The will is as much for their benefit as yours - i.e., to keep them from being forced to make tough calls without knowing what you would want. Be clear about why you chose the options you did so that they are on board with your wishes. This will also help if you leave the state and something happens because your family will know what decisions to make and will feel comfortable doing so if there is a legal issue about the validity of the living will.
<br />
<br />Hope that's helpful. The sites already posted are a good place to start!
 
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blindhearted

New member
You can go to a lawyer and tell them what you want. It will cost but it will be legally binding. My living well is pretty basic. It says that If I am in an extensive vegetative state with no hope of getting better, and two doctors agree on my condition, I will not to be kept alive by articial means. My husband is to make medical decisions if I am unable, and if something happens to both of us, my mom will be the one to make decisions. I believe it cost $400, for both me and my husband to file it. At least with a lawyer, you know that the will is worded and how it is done is legally binding.
 
B

blindhearted

New member
You can go to a lawyer and tell them what you want. It will cost but it will be legally binding. My living well is pretty basic. It says that If I am in an extensive vegetative state with no hope of getting better, and two doctors agree on my condition, I will not to be kept alive by articial means. My husband is to make medical decisions if I am unable, and if something happens to both of us, my mom will be the one to make decisions. I believe it cost $400, for both me and my husband to file it. At least with a lawyer, you know that the will is worded and how it is done is legally binding.
 
B

blindhearted

New member
You can go to a lawyer and tell them what you want. It will cost but it will be legally binding. My living well is pretty basic. It says that If I am in an extensive vegetative state with no hope of getting better, and two doctors agree on my condition, I will not to be kept alive by articial means. My husband is to make medical decisions if I am unable, and if something happens to both of us, my mom will be the one to make decisions. I believe it cost $400, for both me and my husband to file it. At least with a lawyer, you know that the will is worded and how it is done is legally binding.
 
B

blindhearted

New member
You can go to a lawyer and tell them what you want. It will cost but it will be legally binding. My living well is pretty basic. It says that If I am in an extensive vegetative state with no hope of getting better, and two doctors agree on my condition, I will not to be kept alive by articial means. My husband is to make medical decisions if I am unable, and if something happens to both of us, my mom will be the one to make decisions. I believe it cost $400, for both me and my husband to file it. At least with a lawyer, you know that the will is worded and how it is done is legally binding.
 
B

blindhearted

New member
You can go to a lawyer and tell them what you want. It will cost but it will be legally binding. My living well is pretty basic. It says that If I am in an extensive vegetative state with no hope of getting better, and two doctors agree on my condition, I will not to be kept alive by articial means. My husband is to make medical decisions if I am unable, and if something happens to both of us, my mom will be the one to make decisions. I believe it cost $400, for both me and my husband to file it. At least with a lawyer, you know that the will is worded and how it is done is legally binding.
 
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