Comprehensive & Compassionate Legal Representation

Experienced lawyers providing services in many types of cases that can affect Colorado families.

Jefferson County Estate Planning and Will Attorney | What is the Difference Between a Traditional Will and a Living Will

On Behalf of | May 31, 2019 | Estate Planning |

daan-stevens-282446-unsplash.jpg

Often when people mention the term ‘will’ they are referring to the document that is accessed when a person away and outlines how they want their estate to be handled. However, there are different types of wills that deal with very different things: a living will and a last will and testament. In this blog, we are going to explore these two types of wills and how they are used.

Wheat Ridge Last Will and Testament Lawyer: What is a Traditional Will?

The last will and testament or traditional will is a legal document that comes into play after you have passed away. Its intent is to provide instructions for how to handle the property and assets you have left behind. With a last will and testament, you choose an executor who is charged with seeing that all your requests are completed. You can also choose a guardian for your children or disabled family member. This type of will needs to be filed with the probate court after you have passed in order for everything to be verified and legalized.

Golden Living Will Attorney: What is a Living Will?

A living will, on the other hand, comes into play while you are still living. The purpose of the living will is to express your wishes regarding medical care should you become incapacitated. So, if you are in a coma, vegetative state, or otherwise unable to communicate, you wishes can still be respected through a living will. Also called an advanced care directive, with a living will you choose a healthcare agent to make decisions about your medical care. In the legal document, you can discuss how you feel about life support or other drastic medical interventions. Basically, you are able to make your medical decisions ahead of time, asking an agent to represent your requests.

If you are interested in estate planning, including a traditional last will and testament and living will, contact the best estate planning attorneys from the Pearman Law Firm at 720-259-9528 for a initial phone consultation.

Photo by Daan Stevens on Unsplash

Archives

""