Advantages of Adding a Living Will to Your Indiana Estate Plan

When creating your estate plan, it is essential to include more than just provisions for distributing your assets. A comprehensive estate plan can also protect your preferences and ensure your wishes are respected while you are still alive. Including advance directives, such as a Living Will, in your estate plan allows you to make your healthcare decisions known if you are ever unable to make or communicate them. To better understand its importance, the Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft discuss the advantages of adding a Living Will to your Indiana estate plan.

What Is a Living Will in Indiana?

A Living Will is a type of advance directive that allows you to document your healthcare choices in case you cannot express them in the future. State-specific laws govern the use and enforcement of these directives. Without one, there is no guarantee that medical providers will follow your preferences in the event you become incapacitated. Indiana recognizes several types of advance directives, with the Living Will being a key component that enables you to outline your preferences regarding medical care in specific scenarios, including if you have an incurable injury, disease, or illness OR your death will occur within a short time AND the use of life prolonging procedures would serve only to artificially prolong the dying process.

Why Include a Living Will in Your Estate Plan?

If you do not have a valid Living Will in place, healthcare decisions may fall to your family members, physicians, or even a court-appointed guardian which can result in delayed care, emotional strain, or decisions that may not align with your wishes and values. Including a Living Will in your estate plan ensures your healthcare choices are respected and followed, even if you cannot communicate them yourself. Among the significant advantages of incorporating a Living Will into your Indiana estate plan are:

• Providing Control Over Your Medical Care: By specifying your preferences, you retain control over critical decisions, including life-prolonging treatments, resuscitation, and pain management. This ensures that your care reflects your values rather than defaulting to standard practices that may not align with your beliefs.
• Reducing the Stress for Loved Ones: A Living Will spares your family the emotional burden of making difficult medical choices during a crisis. With your wishes clearly outlined, they can focus on supporting you rather than guessing what you might have wanted.
• Minimizing the Risk of Family Disputes: In the absence of clear instructions, disagreements can arise among family members about the best course of action. A Living Will helps prevent conflict by providing legally binding guidance that everyone must follow.
• Compliance with Indiana Laws: When properly prepared, your Living Will should comply with Indiana’s legal requirements, giving healthcare providers clear authority to follow your instructions and reducing the chance of challenges or confusion.
• Works Alongside Other Estate Planning Tools: A Living Will complements other documents like a Health Care Power of Attorney. While the Power of Attorney designates someone to make decisions for you, the Living Will outlines specific instructions for them to follow. Together, they provide a strong framework for addressing your healthcare needs.

By including a Living Will in your estate plan, you ensure that your medical care aligns with your values while protecting your loved ones from unnecessary stress and conflict. It is a critical step toward creating a complete and effective estate plan tailored to your needs and goals.

Can We Help You Incorporate a Living Will into Your Indiana Estate Plan?

For more information, please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you are ready to get started with your Indiana Living Will, contact the experienced Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft by calling (317) 684-1100 to schedule an appointment.

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