Time and experience have shown that having a Last Will and Testament (a Will) and Directives (Health Care Power of Attorney and Financial Power of Attorney) are some of the most fundamental acts of kindness you can show toward your loved ones. These Ohio estate planning documents help your family know your wishes and avoid unnecessary hassles and costs upon your death or incapacity. Planning for the future and unknown is essential to your peace-of-mind, too. That is why every adult—young, middle-aged, or old—should have an estate plan.
In addition to a Will, you should have a set of health planning documents, known as advance directives, which includes a living will and a health care power of attorney. These documents will protect your loved ones from having to “guess” at what to do should you become incapacitated by an accident or illness. No one wants to be forced to make difficult decisions in the midst of emotional turmoil. Finally, a financial power of attorney similarly allows a person of your choosing to manage your affairs if you’re unable to.
Patients with severe complications from COVID-19 (or who experience any type of traumatic event) may end up on a ventilator that makes it difficult or impossible to speak. Other reports have described coronavirus causing patients to become unconscious or enter comas.
Ohio’s Advance Directives allow you to address your medical future in the event that you are too sick to make your intentions known.
A Living Will lets you decide and document in advance the types of care you wish to receive if you become permanently unconscious or terminally ill and unable to communicate. For example, you might express your wish to receive (or not receive) tube feeding.
The Health Care Power of Attorney enables you to designate someone to make health care decisions on your behalf, once your doctor decides you can no longer make these decisions independently.
A Do-Not-Resuscitate Order states whether you wish to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your breathing stops or your heart stops beating.
Graham Law’s Ohio estate planning attorneys can help you create or update your will, medical directives, and other legal contingency plans. There may be legacy issues you haven’t considered, such as funeral plans, social media accounts, and charitable donations. Most of these matters can be handled over the phone and online. Start making plans today: Schedule a free case consultation.
