Comments on: Why You Need A Lawyer for A Living Will

By: AndrewBoldman

AndrewBoldman — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:43:03 +0000

Hi, cool post. I have been wondering about this topic,so thanks for writing.

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By: Nathan (MD)

Nathan (MD) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:20:41 +0000

Fran should talk to her doctor. He or she knows her family and possibly local laws that govern Living Wills as well.

By: Judy

Judy — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:52:06 +0000

Hi Fran — thanks for your observations (and your praise).
First of all, you’re right: not everyone can afford a lawyer, and I should have mentioned that myself. But obviously if you can afford a lawyer, that’s the best route to go when preparing a Living Will.
I often tell readers who write in that their family doctors will usually also have a form of Living Will available for patients free of charge. They may not be called a Living Will (Advance Medical Directives is another term) — but that’s what they are. So fill that out and give it to your doctor, if you don’t want a lawyer.

Will that document be honored when the time comes? Great question! One in four such Living Wills is not honored. It depends on the doctor, the laws of the state you live in, whether or not the wishes of some intrusive relatives can override the document — all sorts of things. Obviously, we all have a great deal of work to do to make sure our last wishes are obeyed.

By: Jean in Ohio

Jean in Ohio — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:29:43 +0000

Stop your unwarranted encouragement of suicide and murder!

By: Fran

Fran — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:25:55 +0000

I am completely new to your webiste, but find it just fascinating. After all, there are so many places to get advice on relationships, family and what-have-you, but NO ONE has done what you’ve done, combined it all with the most important moments of our lives (more important than weddings, I think). As the name of the site indicates, while we don’t all have romantic relationships, and some of us don’t work, we are all in the checkout line.
So I’m wondering if there’s an organization or group which has more information about living wills?? I know the situation differs depending on the state you live in. And please remember: not everyone can afford an attorney! I’m in Kansas, but can I use the Maryland guidelines mentioned above? Any suggestions?