Screenwriter and director Woody Allen once said, “There are worse things in life than death.” Becoming incapacitated and unable to make medical treatment decisions for yourself may be one of those things. The case of Terry Schiavo is a perfect example of the problems that can arise when one does not plan for incapacitation. Following Mrs. Schiavo’s hospitalization and being found incapacitated, an emotional battle erupted between Mrs. Schiavo’s husband and her family over whether she would continue to receive life-sustaining treatment.
Good estate planning is all about preparing for the unthinkable. While a will or trust addresses what happens once you die, what about if you become incapacitated and unable to make your own medical decisions?
The Health Care Proxy – The Unsung Hero of Estate Planning