Louisiana Living Wills

A living will, also known as a “health care directive” or “advance directive” can be specific as to which type of treatment one wishes to receive.  You may choose to discontinue all life-sustaining procedures, continue to administer some but not all, or continue to administer all life-sustaining procedures indefinitely.  You can also personalize it by adding a delay to give time for family to say goodbye or adding your organ donation wishes.  The more specific you can make your living will, the better.  Afterall, difficult end-of-life decisions can be painful and disputed among family members.  Thus, it’s best to spell it out for everybody what your wishes are.

What is a Living Will?

A living will or healthcare directive is a written declaration that states your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments in the event of terminal illness and/or an irreversible incapacitation with no meaningful hope of recovery.  It is an important estate planning instrument which instructs your health care provider as to whether or not you wish to have your life prolonged by life-sustaining treatments.  A living will does not become effective until there is no longer a meaningful hope of recovery, which means your healthcare providers have exhausted reasonable means to save your life.

Registration

It is the responsibility of the declarant to ensure that their physician is aware of their healthcare directive and that the document is accessible in case such a condition arises.  Per La. R.S. 40:1299.58.1-10, the Secretary of State‘s Office maintains a registry of living will declarations in which any adult person may make a written declaration directing the withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining procedures in the event such person should have a terminal and/or irreversible condition.  The registry isn’t required but is a good and inexpensive way to ensure your living will remains in a safe place.

New Orleans Estate Planning Attorneys

Bowes, Petkovich & Palmer, LLC is a Gretna law firm that has served the New Orleans area since 1980.  Our experienced estate planning lawyers can analyze your situation and advise you of your options regarding your living will to ensure your end-of-life care is carried out according to your preferences.  We take pride in offering a personal and trusted experience.  Call us today for a free consultation and find out why so many of our clients come back to us.