Michigan Living Will Requirements
Posted on: July 13th, 2023 by EOS Healthcare Marketing
In today’s uncertain world, planning for the unexpected is crucial, particularly when it comes to healthcare decisions. Creating a living will at My Living Wishes provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing your healthcare choices will be respected, ensuring that your values and desires guide your medical care even when you cannot advocate for yourself. Read below to learn more about the living will requirements for the state of Michigan.
What is a Living Will?
A living will is a powerful tool that allows individuals to express their wishes regarding medical treatments and end-of-life care when they cannot communicate their preferences. A living will is important for several reasons:
- Decision-making autonomy: A living will allows individuals to maintain control over their medical treatment decisions, even if they cannot communicate or make choices at a later stage of their life. It ensures that their personal wishes and values are respected and followed.
- Ensuring medical treatment aligns with personal preferences: By documenting specific instructions and preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, pain management, and other medical interventions, a living will provides clear guidance to healthcare professionals and loved ones.
- Relieving loved ones from making difficult decisions: In the absence of a living will, family members may face the burden of making critical healthcare decisions on behalf of their loved ones. Having a living will in place can alleviate the emotional stress and potential conflicts among family members by providing a clear roadmap for medical choices.
- Reducing ambiguity and disputes: A well-drafted living will helps minimize confusion and disagreements among family members, medical professionals, and caregivers regarding the appropriate course of action. It is a legally binding document that outlines the individual’s intentions, which can help prevent disputes and ensure that healthcare decisions are made in the individual’s best interest.
- Peace of mind: Creating a living will brings peace of mind, knowing that one’s healthcare preferences will be honored and respected, even in challenging circumstances. It allows individuals to proactively address their future healthcare needs, promoting a sense of empowerment and control over their own medical care.
Living Will Requirements in Michigan
In Michigan, the requirements for a living will, also known as a durable power of attorney for healthcare, are as follows:
- The individual creating the living will must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.
- The living will must be in writing and signed by the individual or by someone at their direction if they are unable to sign.
- Two witnesses who are at least 18 years old and not related to the individual must also sign the living will.
- The witnesses should not be directly involved in the individual’s healthcare or inheritance.
- The living will becomes effective when the individual is determined to lack the capacity to make healthcare decisions, and a healthcare professional confirms the determination in writing.
These requirements validate that the living will is legally valid and enforceable in Michigan, providing clear instructions regarding the individual’s healthcare preferences and choices.
The Process of Creating a Living Will in Michigan
The process of creating a living will in Michigan involves the following steps:
- Determine your healthcare preferences and treatment decisions.
- Draft a written document that clearly outlines your wishes, including specific medical treatments and interventions.
- Sign the living will in the presence of two witnesses at least 18 years old and not directly involved in your healthcare or inheritance.
We Can Help You With Your Living Will
Creating a living will at My Living Wishes offers the convenience and peace of mind that comes from having a comprehensive and legally sound document that reflects your healthcare wishes. With us, you can ensure that your end-of-life decisions are clearly communicated and respected, providing comfort to both yourself and your loved ones during difficult times.
