Advanced Health Care Directives/Living Wills

Advanced Health Care Directives

A will is a legal document that declares your wishes about how the probate court should distribute your valuables. A will is also the estate planning device that creates a guardian for any minor children should something tragic happen in your family.

Without a will, the laws of California will determine how your valuables will be distributed.  This may or may not be as you intended, which is why I believe that everyone over the age of 18 should at minimum have a will.

Living Wills

A living will is a legal document used to make your wishes known regarding life prolonging medical treatments. It can also be referred to as an advance directive, health care directive or a physician’s directive. It is important to have a living will as it informs your health care providers and your family about your desires for medical treatment in the event you are not able to speak for yourself. A living will allows you the peace of mind knowing that you will receive the type of medical treatment you want (or don’t want).