Estate plans can include more than just wills. People can draft numerous documents protecting themselves and their loved ones from a variety of different situations. For example, many people add trusts to their estate plans if they have loved ones with special needs or unique challenges, like substance abuse disorders.
People can also add advance directives to their estate plans to guide their care in a medical emergency and empower others to take certain steps on their behalf. There are three different types of advance directives commonly used by testators in Wisconsin.
Authorization for final disposition
Some people make the mistake of talking about interment, cremation and funeral plans in their wills. Unfortunately, their family members may not even review the will until after their funeral in some cases. Establishing an authorization for final disposition allows a testator to provide clear instructions for what should happen to their body after their death. That can help family members know what steps to take during a difficult time.
A Wisconsin living will
There are scenarios in which people can no longer effectively communicate their wishes about their medical treatment. A living will helps provide their loved ones or health care providers with insight into their personal preferences. People can discuss what type of care they may want to receive if they end up in a persistent vegetative state. They can discuss what may happen if they develop a terminal condition. They can provide specific instructions about unique medical preferences. Some people have religious beliefs that prevent them from receiving blood transfusions, for example. Living wills help ensure that people receive care that aligns with their values even when they cannot speak on their own behalf.
Powers of attorney
People can draft documents to give others authority to act on their behalf in certain circumstances. Powers of attorney can designate agents to handle medical matters. People can also grant others authority over their financial affairs. Doing so helps ensure that there are no delays in the fulfillment of financial responsibilities and that family members don’t end up fighting over who should make medical decisions for an individual.
Adding advanced directives to an estate plan can be beneficial for a testator and for the people they love. More robust estate plans protect people in a broad assortment of different, challenging circumstances.