A living will in Bellevue, Kentucky, sometimes referred to as a "healthcare directive" is a legal document instructing those concerned (family, doctors, etc.) on how you want to be treated if you become unable to make your wishes known due to physical or mental incapacity.

A living will might prove necessary in heading off painful and time-consuming disputes among family members. If your family has no clue as to how you would want a given situation to be handled, it's up to them to guess. Obviously, this can lead to significant disagreements. If family members know in advance what the patient wants, these disputes are far less likely.

For example, some people wish to be taken off of life support if they are in a permanent vegetative state, and their doctors believe that they have little to no chance of a meaningful recovery. However, if this wish is not expressed in advance, it may be impossible to implement in the unfortunate event that it becomes relevant.

Additionally, individual family members may not agree on what the patient would have wanted. Disputes on this subject can be profound, and can cause irreversible damage to family relationships. But if the patient's wishes are made clear in advance, these fights can typically be avoided.

How to Create A Living Will in Bellevue, Kentucky

Of course, your loved ones should be engaged in the process. They can't make these arrangements for you, but they'll probably be more willing to accept your decisions if they feel that their voices were heard. In any event, if your family knows what to expect when your living will is enforced, the process will probably be easier.

You should then actually draft the will. To be sure that it is valid, you should have the help of a Bellevue, Kentucky attorney who specializes in wills.

Usually, living wills need to follow the same formalities as testamentary wills (wills that dictate how one's property is to be distributed after death).

These formalities vary from state to state, but wills typically have to be witnessed and signed by at least two people who do not have a direct interest in the matter. Additionally, they should contain a clear statement indicating that the document is, in fact, a living will.

Do I Need A Bellevue, Kentucky Living Will Attorney?

While it's not strictly required, it can be very helpful to have the counsel of an efficient Bellevue, Kentucky attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer will help you navigate the local laws on this subject, making it much easier for your wishes to be implemented.