Most people have some idea of the importance of having a will. A will specifies your wishes for your estate after you pass away. It lets both the courts and your family know your wishes. Having a will can offer you and your family peace of mind in the wake of tragedy. However, many families don’t consider the importance of having a living will, though having both a will and a living will are both important aspects of estate planning.
What is the difference between a will and a living will?
The biggest difference between a will and a living will is the period of time when each instrument goes into effect. A will is used after you pass away to distribute assets to your family and loved ones. A living will instructs family members and loved ones about your wishes regarding your financial matters and your medical wishes should you become too ill or incapacitated to make these decisions for yourself.
For instance, individuals sometimes become too ill or incapacitated to make important financial or medical decisions before they die. This can happen if a younger person is involved in a car accident or if an older person is diagnosed with a progressive illness. This is where a living will can be important. A living will can let your family and medical professionals know your wishes regarding medical treatment, including whether you want resuscitation. Sometimes families face serious medical decisions without guidance when an individual doesn’t have a living will on file. This is why writing a living will should be part of any estate planning process.
The attorneys at Elder Law of Nashville PLC are estate planning lawyers who can help you and your family ask the tough questions now in order to avoid stress, distress, and grief later. Our firm offers compassionate and caring guidance to families and individuals in all life stages. It is never too early or too late to begin estate planning. Many individuals think about estate planning during major life events: a marriage, the birth of a child, or retirement. If you are considering beginning an estate plan, visit the estate planning law firm professionals at Elder Law of Nashville PLC today.