- Legal documents that plan for end-of-life care, including appointing a trusted healthcare decision-maker and detailing medical treatments wanted/not wanted.
- Ensure that your assets are distributed as per wishes upon death, with the help of an experienced probate lawyer.
- Designate a guardian for children under the age of 18 and create a plan for them.
- Take advantage of Medicaid programs to cover medical costs. You must plan for Medicaid in advance to qualify.
Being diagnosed with a terminal illness isn’t easy. It’s an emotional journey that can significantly affect a person and their family. It’s a time when people want to be surrounded by their loved ones, reflecting on the good times and savoring each moment. Amid all these emotions, thinking about legal matters is essential to avoid complications later.
Planning for the future is crucial when dealing with a terminal illness. It gives peace of mind and ensures that you’ve taken care of all the critical issues and started a new chapter in life. This blog will discuss the legal matters you must take care of if you have a terminal illness.
Advance Directives.
Advance directives are the legal documents that help an individual plan for their end-of-life care. It includes the following four things:
A healthcare power of attorney.
A healthcare power of attorney is a document that appoints a person you rely on to make healthcare decisions for you if you become unable to do so. This document can include instructions about the treatments you do or don’t want to receive.
Living will.
A living will contain instructions about the types of medical treatment you want and don’t want at end-of-life. It helps doctors make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated in any way.
Organ donation authorization.
This document allows a person to designate whether they wish for their organs, tissues, and/or body parts to be donated for medical use upon death. This document is vital for those who want to donate their organs or tissues.
Do not resuscitate order.
A do not resuscitate order is a document that outlines the instructions for medical providers to withhold any measures used to revive an individual in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. This document is essential for those who don’t want to be revived in the event of a medical emergency.
These documents are a crucial part of end-of-life planning and should be taken care of as soon as possible. They ensure that your wishes are honored and provide peace of mind to you and your loved ones.
Estate Planning.
Estate planning involves deciding what will happen to your assets, including property, investments, and money, after your death. The process involves creating a will or a trust and determining who will be responsible for managing your estate and distributing your property.
When going through this process, you should employ the help of an experienced probate lawyer. They can help you determine the right beneficiary and distributing the assets as per your wishes. They might also be able to help you in matters such as taxes and other legalities.
Guardianship of Children.
If you have children under the age of 18, you must designate a guardian and create a plan for them. It would help if you decided who will take care of your kids in your absence and who will manage their inheritance until they reach adulthood. You can either list the name of an individual in your will or create a trust to manage their assets.
Medicaid Planning.
Medical treatment for a terminal illness can be costly. Luckily, Medicaid can cover a significant portion of the cost. However, it’s essential to plan for Medicaid well in advance. Medicaid planning involves preserving your assets for your future or your family’s future while still qualifying for Medicaid.
Funeral Arrangements.
The last thing you want is to leave your family scrambling to make funeral arrangements. Planning and managing your funeral arrangements ahead of time will ensure that your final wishes are respected and your family members don’t have to worry about anything. You can also pre-pay for the funeral expenses so your family doesn’t have to bear the burden in the future.
Dealing with a terminal illness is an emotional journey, and taking care of critical legal matters is essential to protect yourself and your loved ones. From advance directives to estate planning, guardianship of children, Medicaid planning, and funeral arrangements – many critical decisions must be considered during this difficult time.
It can seem overwhelming initially, but having these issues sorted out will give you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be honored after your passing. With the proper guidance from experienced professionals such as probate lawyers or financial advisors, you can ensure that all necessary steps have been taken for a smooth transition into the next chapter of life.
