End-of-life care and decision-making can be a difficult experience for family and loved ones when it comes time to determining what types of medical treatment an incapacitated loved one would have wanted.  Should all efforts be taken to keep them alive or would they prefer to be made comfortable and be allowed to die? 

To determine the answer to these questions yourself instead of relying on your family and loved ones’ choices, you may consider creating a living will (aka an advance health directive drafted) and discussing your wishes with your family and loved ones.  To find a living will lawyer or law firm, click here and select “Estate Law” as the area of law in which you need help.

A living will is different from a power of attorney for personal care.  A power of attorney for personal care designates another person after you have become incapacitated to make decisions on your behalf with respect to your medical treatment, diet and living arrangements.  A living will on the other hand specifies the type of medical treatment and personal care that you would like to receive when you have become incapacitated.  Under a living will, no one is designated to make decisions for you.

Depending on your province, registration of a living will does not appear to be necessary for it to be valid.  It is best to check with a lawyer to determine if there are any requirements for a living to be recognized in your jurisdiction. 

If you already have a living will and you are moving to another province or country, it would be best to consult with a lawyer in that jurisdiction to determine if your living will is still valid.

FIND A LAWYER WITH MYLAWBID

If you are looking for a living will lawyer or law firm, click here and select “Estate Law” to find the lawyer that best suits your needs.