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Old Aug 27th, 2008, 02:46 PM   #3 (permalink)  
Mamaof3
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Join Date: Dec 13, 2003 - 5:55 am
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Very smart to get these things in order! It can be confusing since laws (in USA anyway) vary from state to state but generally, your Last Will and Testament is a document that decides what to do with all of your properties and posessions and investments upon your death. The "Living Will" sets forth your choices regarding medical care in the case that you are too incapacitated to state them (ie., if you are in a vegetative state, do you want the machines turned off, if you are in a state such that you would need "heroic measures" such as breathing tubes and feeding tubes to keep you alive, do you want that to continue or do you want machines to be turned off) BE CAREFUL with this one! If you sign legal docs saying "DNR" (Do NOT resusitate) meaning shocking heart, providing breathing tube etc....then they cannot do either of these things even if you would be able to resume a normal life. So just be as specific as you can.

The Powers of attorney docs are to enable loved ones to write checks in your name and to act as yourself in financial matters if you become unable to take care of these things yourself. Medical powers of attorney allow loved ones to decide things like whether "heroic measures" should be taken.

Hope this helps.






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