Kurrus Funeral Home - Our Family Serving Your Family Since 1883 |
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| Q. |
What
is a living will? |
| A. |
A living
will is a relatively new legal document which has been made necessary by
the advent of recent technological advances in the field of medicine which
can allow for the continued existence of a person on advanced "life
support" systems long after any normal semblance of "life,"
as many people considered it, has ceased. |
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| Q. |
How
does the living will work? |
| A. |
A living
will provides a written declaration for an individual to make known his
or her decisions on life-prolonging procedures. It declares your wishes
not to be kept alive by artificial or mechanical means if you are suffering
from a terminal condition and your death would be imminent without the use
of such artificial means. It provides a set of instructions regarding your
wishes about this important matter. |
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| Q. |
Can
anyone make a living will? |
| A. |
You must
be at least 19 Years of age;
You must be of "sound mind" and able to comprehend the nature
of your action in signing such a document. |
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| Q. |
How
does the living will become a valid legal of document? |
| A. |
You should
assemble three witnesses and a Notary republic to witness your signature.
These witnesses should have no connection with you from a health care or
beneficiary standpoint. In front of all of the witnesses and Notary Republic
you should state: "This is my living will which I am about to sign.
I ask that each of you witness my signature." After you and all witnesses
have signed in the document, the final step is for the Notary republic to
sign in the space indicated. When this step is completed, your living will
is a valid legal document. |
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| Q. |
Who
should have a copy of my living will? |
| A. |
Make several copies
of your living will. If appropriate, deliver a copy to your physician
to have placed in your medical records file. You may also desire to give
a copy to your clergy, and a copy to your spouse or other trusted relative.
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1773 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL 62223
(618) 235-2100; Fax (618) 235-2115
©2010 Kurrus Funeral Home |