Disclaimer: This article is only intended for educational purposes and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for legal advice.
Many people are concerned about their old age and wish to prepare beforehand. When it comes to administering medical treatments, many people have specific wishes in mind according to their beliefs.
If you’re confused between drafting a living will or an advance directive, then this post will help you a lot. It points out all the differences between them to make the right decision.
Advance Directive
An advance directive is a document that includes the wishes for future medical care of the person. When the person is incapacitated or unable to tell their wishes, their doctor refers to the advance directive. Some cases in which this type of disability can happen are dementia, stroke, coma, under anesthesia, etc.
Advance directives can be customized according to philosophical, religious, or spiritual views. It’s important to be clear about your beliefs in the advance directive to avoid any problem in the future.
Living Will
A living will is also a document that includes all medical procedures, treatments, or medications that you wish to or not to receive in the future. The healthcare professionals look at your living will whenever you’re unable to talk about your wishes for the treatment.
Difference between Living Will & Advance Directive
As expected from the definition of the living will and advance directive, there is not much difference. However, both of them are treated differently in different states. Whether you’re looking forward to drafting a living will or an advance directive, you need to make sure that you’re aware of the state laws regarding it.
Also, the names of both living will and advance directive vary from state to state, so you need to be sure about it as well. Also, some states approve verbal advance directives, while many of them don’t do it.
Hire an Expert to Draft a Living Will or an Advance Directive
To ensure that your wishes are respected when it’s time, you need to hire an expert to help you with the process. They can assist you throughout the process to avoid any serious mistakes.
We’re one of the best lawyers in Mississauga, Canada, with over 150 years of combined legal experience. If you decide to get an advance directive or a living will, we can help you with both.
We’re also experienced Canadian immigration lawyers in the country. Please book an appointment on our website or call us now for further details.