There are several benefits of a living will in Oklahoma. A living will, also known as an advance directive, is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment if you become incapacitated and unable to communicate your decisions. Some of the key benefits of a living will include:

1. Control Over Medical Decisions

With a living will, you can specify your preferences for medical treatment, including decisions about life-sustaining measures, resuscitation, and other critical interventions. Consequently, your healthcare providers will know and follow your wishes. You can clearly outline your wishes regarding end-of-life care, such as whether you want to be kept on life support if you are in a terminal condition or a permanent vegetative state. A living will is not the same as a will. A will is a document you make that distributes your assets when you pass away.

2. Reduce Family Stress and Conflict

By clearly stating your medical preferences, you provide guidance to your family members. This reduces the burden of making difficult decisions during a stressful time. A living will helps prevent disputes among family members who might have different opinions about your care, ensuring they follow your wishes.

3. Ensure Consistent Care

By having a living will, you ensure that your treatment preferences are consistently applied, regardless of where you are receiving care. This is particularly important if you are transferred between healthcare facilities. Your healthcare providers will have a clear understanding of your wishes, enabling them to provide care that aligns with your values and preferences.

4. Legal Protection

In Oklahoma, a living will is a legally binding document. Therefore, your healthcare providers must follow the instructions you have outlined, providing legal protection for your wishes. By following your documented wishes, healthcare providers and family members reduce their risk of legal liability, as they act in accordance with your directives.

5. Complement Other Legal Documents

A living will works in conjunction with a healthcare power of attorney, which designates someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Together, these documents provide comprehensive coverage for your healthcare needs. While a durable power of attorney handles your financial and legal affairs, a living will focuses specifically on healthcare preferences. This ensures that you address all aspects of your well-being.

6. Flexibility and Revocability

You can update or revoke your living will at any time, as long as you are of sound mind. This flexibility allows you to make changes based on new medical information or changes in your personal beliefs. Your living will can adapt to changing circumstances, ensuring that your healthcare preferences are always current.

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Tulsa County Estate Planning Attorneys

A living will in Oklahoma provides numerous benefits, including control over medical decisions, consistent care, and peace of mind. It complements other legal documents, such as a healthcare power of attorney, and allows you to update your preferences. By creating a living will, you ensure that you clearly document and respect your healthcare wishes, providing assurance for both you and your loved ones during difficult times.

Our team here at Tulsa County Lawyers Group will guide you through the process of creating your living will and ensure it reflects your wishes. If you need help, contact us today by calling (918) 379-4864 or reach us online for a consultation.