What is a living will?

A living will is a document that allows you to express your wishes for medical and healthcare decisions in the event that you are unable to make those decisions for yourself. This document is usually part of a larger estate plan and is sometimes referred to as an "advance directive." When creating a living will in New Mexico, you will need to describe your wishes regarding the use of extraordinary life-sustaining treatments, the withholding or withdrawal of treatments, and the designation of a healthcare decision-maker. A living will is an important part of any estate plan, and it allows you to make your medical wishes known in the event that you are unable to communicate them. It gives you the power to make your healthcare decisions, even if you are unconscious, in a coma, or otherwise incapacitated. In New Mexico, there are several ways that you can establish a living will. You can create the document yourself, or you can use a form provided by an estate planning attorney. You may also be able to use a living will template provided by your state government. When creating a living will, be sure to include all of your wishes and be as specific as possible. Once the document has been drafted, it must be signed in the presence of two witnesses in order to be valid and enforceable. Make sure that all relevant parties are aware of the living will before it is signed, and consult with an estate planning attorney if you have any questions.

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