Estate Plan Tools
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Last Will And Testament
The last will and testament
serves as an outline for how your assets and possessions will be distributed after death. Drafting a will and testament will give you control over what happens to your assets after your death. This allows you to decide how you want your possessions, whether it is to a family member, a school or organization, or to donate to charity.
Living Wills (Advance Directive)
A living will, also known as an advance directive, is a legal document that allows you to determine the type of medical care you do or do not want if you cannot communicate your wishes. This allows you to decide in advance should you suffer a life-threatening injury or have a terminal illness if you want to receive life-sustaining treatment by machine for breathing or a feeding tube. Without this type of will, the medical care will be determined by the family or other third parties, and therefore it may not represent your wishes.
Health Care Power Of Attorney
A health care power of attorney is a legal document to designate someone to be your representative if you cannot communicate your wishes for your health care. You will entrust this person to make health care decisions on your behalf if you are unable to yourself. The health care power of attorney is different from a living will. A living will is limited to terminally ill or a permanently unconscious condition. However, the health care power of attorney gives the person the power to make decisions on all aspects of your health care if your condition prevents you from doing so.
To find out more about planning for your long term decisions, contact the law office of Gary H. Rosenthal at (440) 975-1003.