Columbus Ohio Living Will Attorneys
Having a Living Will can help alleviate the burden on your family should you become terminal, medically incurable, or no longer be able to make important life decisions on your own behalf because of brain injury, coma, permanent unconsciousness, or other ‘end of life’ type injuries or conditions.
If you don’t make your wishes known legally, then you will be essentially asking your loved ones or doctor to make those decisions for you, whether that outcome is what you would have wanted or not.
Ohio Living Will
Being able to make your wishes known, should the need arise, will not only help alleviate your family’s pain, but also will make your wishes known in a very tangible and meaningful way by hiring an experienced Ohio living will attorney.
In the state of Ohio, this includes not having your life prolonged while being incapacitated – such as living the remainder of your life debilitated in a nursing home, in a coma, on a ventilator, or brain dead. Other wishes such as organ donation, pain management and various other medical treatments can also be declared. It’s also important to note that any spiritual or religious concerns for dealing with your condition can also be declared. A living will in its basic form gives instructions to doctors, medical facilities, healthcare providers and your family as well, should you no longer be able to make those decisions yourself.
With a living will in place, you are in essence making a declaration on your own behalf on your preference of receiving life sustaining treatment to be kept alive, or rather to have a natural end to your life. These end-of-life matters can be very traumatic, so don’t make the situation worse by expecting your loved ones to discern your wishes, perhaps creating acrimony amongst the very people whom you wish to protect the most. Removing the burden that is placed on them is a very important and compassionate decision.
Making your end-of-life wishes known will make your preferences clear and concise, should the need arise.
Living Will Requirements
-
You must be an adult
-
Be of sound mind
-
The living will must be signed and dated
-
In presence of a notary or 2 witnesses
-
Having an attorney draw up your living will ensures your intentions will be adhered to
Ohio Living Will FAQ
What is the difference between a living will and a will?
A living will is to let your intentions on end-of-life treatment be known, should you become incapacitated and unable to make those decisions yourself. A will, on the other hand, lets your intentions be known upon your death such as division of assets etc.
Is a living will appropriate for those not in a life threating medical situation?
A living will is viable only for those in a permanently unconsciousness or terminal state, and unable to communicate clearly.
Can I select a person of my choosing to make medical decisions on my behalf in a living will?
In Ohio you can do so as an option in a living will document.
Can a living will be changed or modified?
In the state of Ohio, a living will can be modified or changed. Also known as a 'healthcare power of attorney' it allows someone you choose to make your healthcare decisions for you.
Where can I find more information on specific Ohio laws related to living wills?
The Ohio Laws and Administrative Rules has info about the Modified Uniform Rights of the Terminally Ill Act, DNR Identification, Do-not-resuscitate Orders and more.
Where can I find more information on living will and healthcare power of attorney laws for the state of Ohio?
There is a wealth of great info on the Ohio State Bar Association website here: Ohio Living Will Laws