A living will is an essential document that outlines your preferences for healthcare in case of a terminal illness or injury. Unlike a traditional will, which determines the distribution of your assets after death, a living will communicates your wishes to healthcare professionals if you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself. Creating a living will should be an integral part of any estate planning process, as it ensures that your end-of-life care decisions are respected and provides clear guidance to your loved ones during a medical emergency.
In Nevada, a living will is also known as an advanced healthcare directive.
While it might be hard to think about a situation where you will not be able to make decisions regarding your healthcare, a living will can provide peace of mind by knowing that your wishes will be honored even if you cannot communicate them. An experienced wills attorney can walk you through the process of creating a living will tailored to your specific needs and preferences. If you would like to discuss living wills in Reno, our attorneys are here to answer your questions.
In Nevada, a living will is a document that provides instructions for healthcare decisions, particularly regarding end-of-life care. It does not, however, appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. This is the role of a separate document called a healthcare power of attorney.
A living will typically addresses matters such as:
It is important to note that the life-sustaining treatments described in a living will in Reno apply to medical procedures or interventions that prolong life when death is determined by your doctors to be inevitable. A living will does not cover medication or procedures designed to alleviate pain. For example, forced nutrition and hydration is considered a life-sustaining treatment and should be withheld if the patient so indicates in their living will, but pain-relieving medication would still be applied.
Under Nevada state laws, a living will is revocable at any point, regardless of the person’s mental or physical condition. Revocation of a living will becomes effective after communicating the decision to the doctor or healthcare provider. When a living will is executed in another state, it is considered valid under Nevada law, provided it complies with the laws of the state where it was created.
To create a legally binding living will in Reno, the following requirements must be met:
Although it is possible to create a living will without an attorney, it is highly recommended to consult a knowledgeable estate planning lawyer before drafting the document to ensure that it is legally binding and accurately reflects your wishes.
As part of a comprehensive estate plan, creating a living will is a crucial step in specifying your healthcare preferences and ensuring that your wishes are respected in the event that you become incapacitated. While no one expects to find themselves in a situation where they cannot make decisions for themselves, it is essential to plan for life’s uncertainties.
Taking control of the unknown by drafting a living will in Reno can provide you and your loved ones with peace of mind. Whether you are facing a serious illness, the possibility of hospitalization, or simply wish to plan ahead for a potential healthcare emergency, our experienced legal team can help you create a living will that clearly expresses your intentions. Contact a Reno living wills attorney today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you in protecting your healthcare decisions.