Who arranges your banking if you temporarily or permanently cannot do so yourself? Who discusses your wishes with healthcare providers if you cannot decide? A living will lets you record in advance who may act on your behalf and within which limits.
A will for during your lifetime
An ordinary will takes effect after death. A living will concerns the period while you are still alive. You can appoint one or more representatives for financial, personal and medical matters, such as paying bills, contacting the bank, managing a home or speaking with doctors if you are no longer legally capable of making a decision.
You can also record how the representative must account for their actions and whether someone supervises them. That is wise: a power of attorney gives a lot of trust and a lot of responsibility. Discuss medical wishes with your doctor as well, so they are known and recorded appropriately.
Why waiting creates risk
Without a suitable power of attorney, it may become necessary to ask the court to appoint an administrator or mentor. Even if you have a partner, court involvement may be needed for certain actions. By making choices in time, you give your loved ones clarity and stay in control of who represents you.
The document must be prepared while you understand what you are deciding. The notary assesses your capacity when preparing it. Do not wait until an acute situation arises.
Start with the right questions
Who do you trust with this role? Is a substitute needed? Which decisions may they make independently? Where are your documents and whom should they contact? The Inheritance Guide helps map out these questions and your financial and practical information in advance. The notary prepares the living will itself.
Would you like clarity before speaking with the notary? We help you think through what you want to arrange.