Why you need a living will

By Patricia Nugent

Local elder law attorney Margaret T. Karl has been giving seminars and lectures throughout the Cleveland area for over a decade.

She reports that one of the most frequently asked questions she gets from people is whether they should have a living will.

“People often confuse a will with a living will, but they are two different legal documents,” she explains. “And the answer is, yes, I recommend people have a living will in place for peace of mind. This lets your preferences for end-of-life medical treatment decisions be known in advance. It also lists the people you’d like to be contacted if you are near death.”

The two main designations for living wills come down to whether or not a person wants artificial nutrition or hydration, and a do not resuscitate, or DNR, stipulation.

“There are modifications to a living will. For instance, Catholics and Jehovah’s Witnesses have certain wording for religious conditions,” she says. “I feel it’s important for people of any age to have a living will, as that ensures their wishes are met. I know it can feel morbid, but it’s a good idea to have that deeper discussion with your children and relatives so, in the event you are near death, for instance if you have a sudden heart attack or stroke or accident, your family has the legal authority to follow the medical care you wanted.”

“In the end, a living will provides closure and can spare your loved ones from having to make heartbreaking decisions on their own without any forethought,” notes Margie.

Margaret T. Karl, attorney at law, is located at 25800 North Depot Street, Suite 102, in Olmsted Falls. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 440-782-5051 or visit OlmstedOhioLaw.com.