As you delve into Nevada estate planning, you will learn about several legal documents to consider adding to your plan. Examples include a final will, trusts and powers of attorney. You may also want to add a living will if you wish to retain control over your healthcare, even if incapacitation occurs.
According to popular belief, living wills rob people of the right to control their medical care. Fortunately, this is not true. Below are three more Nevada living will myths you can safely dismiss.
Invalid in other states
Many estate planning documents do not function properly from state to state because of differences in estate laws. However, a properly drafted living will is valid and recognized in all American regions. If a problem arises, it is likely because the document contains errors, but you can avoid this risk by working with legal counsel.
Rules out treatment
Some believe having a living will instructs medical providers not to treat you for any condition. Instead, the document empowers you to specify the treatments you wish to receive and those you do not want. For example, you can refuse artificial respiration or nutrition in your living will if you are close to death.
Loss of decision-making
A living will won’t take away your decision-making rights; it allows someone you trust to make them in your place when you cannot. So long as you are capable of deciding your own medical care, you retain the right to do so. Your designated agent cannot act outside of the provisions in your living will.
Remember to learn more about Nevada living will laws to ensure everything in your estate plan is valid and legal.