Most people in Ohio don’t think about writing a living will because they assume they may never need it. But, sorry for using this cliché phrase, life can be unpredictable. An unexpected medical emergency can leave you incapacitated and you may not be able to advocate for your own care. This is where a living will can come to your rescue.
What is a living will?
A living will guides healthcare decisions when you cannot communicate your wishes. Under Ohio law, it becomes active if you face a terminal condition or permanent unconsciousness without a prospect of recovery. This legal document specifies your choices regarding medical interventions, such as life support, breathing devices and feeding tubes.
How can it help you and your family?
With the help of this document, you can personally stay in control of your own healthcare choices. Without it, doctors and hospitals must follow strict Ohio laws to decide which family members make choices for you. Sometimes, family members deeply disagree on what is best, which may cause painful arguments during a stressful time. By writing your wishes down, you make the decisions that are harder for your loved ones.
How a legal guide may help
State laws enforce strict signature requirements to ensure this paperwork is legally valid. Under Ohio law, for example, your signature must be witnessed by either a notary public or two eligible adult witnesses who are not related to you by blood, marriage or adoption, and are not serving as your attending physician or nursing home administrator. To tackle these requirements seamlessly, working with an experienced estate planning attorney is a wise decision.
