What is a Living Will?
A living will is one of the most important legal documents you can have, yet many people either misunderstand its purpose or put off creating one.
Unlike a last will and testament, which dictates how your assets are distributed after you pass away, a living will outlines your medical preferences for “end of life” decisions, if you can’t communicate. Without one, your loved ones may be left making painful decisions without clear guidance.
A Harrisburg living will lawyer from Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. can help you draft a legally sound living will that ensures your healthcare choices are respected.
Why a Living Will Matters
People assume their family knows what medical treatments they’d want in a crisis, but that’s rarely the case. When faced with difficult choices, loved ones may struggle to agree, leading to emotional stress and even legal battles. A living will removes that uncertainty by documenting your wishes in advance.
Doctors often feel obligated to do everything possible to extend a patient’s life, even when aggressive treatments might go against the person’s beliefs or wishes. Without clear instructions, hospitals may rely on standard protocols rather than what you would have chosen.
A Harrisburg living will lawyer at Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. can help you create a living will that prevents unwanted interventions or “heroic measures” to keep you alive while ensuring you receive the care you want.
Common Misconceptions
Many people believe a living will is only necessary for the elderly or those with terminal illnesses. That’s a dangerous assumption. A sudden accident or medical emergency can leave anyone unable to express their wishes. Having a living will in place means you remain in control, even when you can’t speak for yourself.
Another misunderstanding is that naming a healthcare proxy is enough. While a healthcare proxy can make health care decisions on your behalf, they may not be able to make “end of life” decisions if your preferences aren’t documented. A well-drafted living will gives them the clarity to act in your best interest. A Harrisburg living will lawyer from Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. can help you create a document that works alongside a healthcare proxy, ensuring there’s no confusion about your intentions.
Don’t Wait to Create a Living Will
Medical emergencies happen without warning. Waiting too long to draft a living will could leave your family facing painful decisions without knowing what you truly want. Hospitals may follow default procedures, and family disagreements can add even more stress to an already difficult situation. The best way to avoid this is to take action now while you can still make those decisions.
At Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C., we know these conversations aren’t easy, but we’ve seen how much peace of mind they bring to families. A Harrisburg living will lawyer from our firm can help you draft a living will that reflects your beliefs and values while ensuring it’s legally enforceable.
Whether you’re creating one for the first time or updating an existing document, we’re here to guide you through the process. Don’t leave these critical decisions to chance – take control of your future by filling out our online contact form or calling 717-238-6570 for a consultation.