Four Benefits of Setting Up a Living Will in New Jersey
A living will—also referred to as an advance medical directive—is a key part of an estate plan for many people. New Jersey law has a specific law for living wills (New Jersey Statute 26:2H-54). You should strongly consider putting one in place. Here, our Monmouth County living will attorney highlights four of the most notable benefits of setting up a living will in New Jersey.
- A Living Will Gives You Control Over Your Own Medical Care (Even if Incapacitated)
First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that a living will empowers you to make decisions about your future healthcare needs—particularly during any time when you might not be unable to speak for yourself. Through a properly drafted living will, you can outline your wishes clearly and retain control over critical choices, including those related to life support, feeding tubes, and resuscitation. Without a living will, these deeply personal decisions may fall to others who are left guessing what you would have wanted. What you put in a living will is legally binding.
- A Living Will Can Help to Ease the Burden on Loved Ones
No person wants to leave their loved ones dealing with stress. When a medical crisis happens, your family may be overwhelmed. Without a living will in place, they may be asked to make seemingly impossible choices without actually knowing your preferences. It can lead to stress, guilt, and even conflict between family members. A living will is the solution. It removes that emotional burden by providing clear guidance. Your loved ones will not have to guess—they will know exactly what matters to you and the type of care that you prefer.
- A Living Will Reduces the Risk of a Serious Family Dispute
Not only can lack of clarity be stressful for your family members and other loved ones, it can lead to a serious dispute between them. Without written instructions, disagreements between family members about medical care can quickly turn painful and divisive. A living will can help prevent confusion and conflict by spelling out your wishes in advance. Whether you want every possible measure taken or prefer a more comfort-focused approach, your living will can serve as the foundation for your care when you cannot voice your own wishes.
- A Living Will Helps to Provide Some Much Needed Peace of Mind
Finally, a living will helps to provide some genuine and reliable peace of mind. Uncertainty about the future is hard—but a living will can bring real peace of mind. Knowing that your healthcare wishes are documented and will be respected allows you to live more fully in the present. It means that, no matter what happens, your values and preferences will be honored. You do not have to leave those decisions up to chance.
Call Our Monmouth County Living Will Lawyer Today
At Poulos LoPiccolo PC, our New Jersey living will attorney is a knowledgeable, experienced advocate for clients. If you have any specific questions or concerns about living wills, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a fully confidential initial consultation. With an office in Monmouth County, we help people with living wills throughout all of New Jersey.
