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Arizona residents who are planning for the future might consider creating a living will as part of their estate plan. Among the many benefits of a living will is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your healthcare wishes will be clear if you cannot make decisions regarding your treatment.
What Is a Living Will?
A living will is a legal document outlining your preferences for medical treatment if you become incapacitated and cannot communicate your wishes. It typically guides loved ones and medical providers on how and whether to proceed with life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, artificial nutrition, and other critical healthcare choices.
A living will should not be confused with a last will and testament, which directs the distribution of assets after your death. Living wills focus exclusively on medical care. People often create living wills in conjunction with establishing a health care power of attorney.
Legal Requirements for a Living Will in Arizona
If you are creating a living will in Arizona, you must be at least 18 and of sound mind. The document must be in writing, signed, and dated by you. It must also be signed by a notary public or at least one witness who was present you signed it. The notary public or witness cannot be related to you or involved in your medical care.
Arizona allows individuals to include their living will as part of an advance directive, which can also name a health care power of attorney. Individuals should review their living will periodically and update it as needed to ensure compliance with state laws.
Benefits of Having a Living Will in Arizona
A living will provides significant benefits to people who want to take control of their future healthcare choices and ensure others respect their medical preferences.
Key benefits of a living will include:
- Clearly outlining medical care preferences
- Preventing disputes among family members
- Reducing the burden on loved ones needing to make tough decisions
- Ensuring healthcare providers follow your wishes
- Avoiding unwanted medical interventions
- Complementing a health care power of attorney
- Providing legal documentation to support end-of-life decisions
How to Create a Living Will in Arizona
There’s more to creating a legally valid living will in Arizona than simply filling out a form. An Arizona estate planning attorney can:
- Help ensure the document meets state requirements and accurately reflects your healthcare wishes
- Guide you through important decisions, such as specifying treatments you want to accept or refuse
- Help integrate a living will into a broader estate plan
- Help you avoid errors that might render your living will unenforceable
- Ensure your choices are properly documented and recognized by medical providers
Contact Our Arizona Estate Planning Attorneys Now
If you have questions about Arizona’s living will requirements or want to incorporate a living will into a comprehensive estate plan, turn to the legal team at Pennington Law, PLLC. Call or contact us today to request a free consultation with an experienced estate lawyer.
