In the Academy Award nominated film, The Descendants, the main character played by George Clooney must deal with not only handling his personal family issues, but also must contend with several major estate litigation issues that not only involve himself, but his entire extended family.
One of the key estate issues that Clooney's character must address from the beginning is making decisions about his wife's healthcare when a boating accident has left her incapacitated and in a coma. In the film, his wife possesses a living will and also appoints her husband as her agent in power of attorney for health care. She leaves explicit instructions that she not be kept alive by machines if ever faced with the same situation in which she now finds herself. The doctors agree that she will not recover on her own without this aid, which leaves Clooney's character no choice but to honor her wishes according to her estate litigation documents.
Even though this is a Hollywood film, that does not mean it is so far from the truth. In fact, this scenario happens to many people every single day in the world. Unfortunately, not many people have a living will or a power of attorney for health care in place if a incapacitating incident occurs.
With a properly drafted power of attorney for health care you can make decisions about your own fate while still sound of mind. And also give your family and friends a chance to say their goodbyes and grieve together, instead of fighting over decisions about your care during already difficult times.
Contact a professional Los Angeles estate litigation Attorney at David A. Shapiro, Professional Corporation to get started on your living will and power of attorney for health care documents.
*This blog entry was not written by an Attorney and should not be constituted as professional legal advice.