Author Brightstone Law LLP

Set up a Living Will and avoid unnecessary and stressful litigation for your Family

It has recently been recommended by the High Court that everyone should consider making a Living Will or Lasting Power of Attorney (health and welfare) to avoid their families becoming locked in dispute with medical professionals should they not be able to communicate their own wishes.

A Living Will, also known as an Advanced Directive or an Advanced Decision, allows you to record your wishes and decisions in respect of any circumstances or types of medical treatment that you want to refuse if you do not have the capacity to communicate those decisions yourself.  This can include refusal for resuscitation, CPR, life support or medical treatment for any specific condition. These decisions are legally binding and take effect as soon as the document has been signed.

As an alternative to a Living Will, people are encouraged to make a Lasting Power of Attorney (health and welfare) which allows you to appoint one or more attorneys to make any medical decisions on your behalf if you do not have the capacity to do so. This will allow you to choose people who you trust to decide what medical treatment you should or should not receive.

Brightstone Law LLP welcomes the advice from the Court. Making a Lasting Power of Attorney or a Living Will allows you to set your wishes out and will greatly reduce any stress and emotional burden on your family when faced with such a situation. Our Private Client department has considerable experience in advising on all aspects of this area and will offer guidance and support to ensure your affairs are set up exactly as you wish.

Abby Cohen

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