Every Montana estate plan is unique because it will reflect the family relationships and personal values of the testator drafting the documents. Still, most estate plans need to achieve two different objectives. They need to address what happens when someone dies and also create appropriate protections for a scenario involving incapacitation due to medical issues.
Advance health directives are among the most important estate planning documents that you may create as a Montana resident. Such documents may seem unnecessary if you have always been clear about your preferences or you currently enjoy excellent health. Still, there are undeniable benefits derived from creating an advanced directive now.
You take the pressure off of the people you love
Can you imagine how stressful it would be for your children or spouse to show up at the hospital after you were in a car crash? They will worry about every little thing until they have clear answers about what the future holds.
If they need to make decisions about the medical care that you receive, they may worry that they will fail to do what you would want. An advance directive names a specific person to hold that authority and also gives clear instructions about your preferences.
From your stance on life support and resuscitation to anatomical gifts and pain management, you can clarify what treatment you would want to receive if you cannot speak for yourself. Your loved ones will then feel comfortable knowing that they have followed the directions you provided.
You establish your own standard for future medical care
An advance medical directive helps ensure that you get the care you would prefer to receive in an emergency rather than the default standard used by doctors at the facility that provides your care. It also helps empower someone that you trust to oversee those medical decisions made on your behalf. You may feel more comfortable moving through your daily life when you know that the hospital will respect your preferences in an emergency.
When you realize that the time invested in creating an advanced directive benefits you and the people you love, you may come to understand that it is time to stop procrastinating and to take control over what happens even in the most unpredictable future circumstances. Including documents beyond just a will in your estate plan can benefit you and the people that love you.
