Living Wills in Indiana: What You Need to Know
POST DATE: 10.1.19
Mortality is never an easy topic to ponder on your own or discuss with loved ones, but it's something that should be on your radar.
A living will is an estate planning document which states your wishes regarding life support. The living will is important in the event you are in a persistent vegetative state or irreversible coma and cannot communicate your own wishes.
A living will helps prevent next of kin or other family from agonizing over whether to continue life support for you. A living will can bring peace to you and your loved ones.
A living will addresses:
- life-prolonging medical care (ie: surgery, blood transfusions, CPR, diagnostic tests, dialyses, administration of drugs, use of a respirator, etc.)
- use of intravenous food and water
- palliative care: measures taken to reduce pain when one chooses to forgo life-prolonging treatments
An Indiana living will must be signed by two witnesses. These witnesses must be at least 18 years old; cannot be your spouse, parent, or child; cannot be legally entitled to a portion of your estate; isn't financially responsible for your medical care; and cannot be the person who signs on your behalf if you are unable to sign on your own.
The Estate Planning Group at CCHA offers comprehensive estate planning services including living wills, health care power of attorney documents, financial power of attorney documents, wills, trusts, and well beyond. No matter your specific needs, our attorneys will help you develop an estate plan that is tailored to meet your specific goals, expectations, and family circumstances.
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