¿Qué es un testamento viviente?

Las leyes relativas a los testamentos de vida y otras directivas anticipadas varían según el estado, pero puedes descargar formularios e instrucciones específicos del estado a través de la Organización Nacional de Cuidados Paliativos y Hospicios (NPCHO). Estos formularios sólo se pueden completar si tienes 18 años o más, dice la NPCHO. En la mayoría de los casos requieren un mínimo de dos testigos. Aunque no se necesita un abogado para completar un testamento vital, puede ser útil si tiene alguna duda sobre el documento y sus implicaciones legales. También puedes crear un testamento vital ya sea con un formulario proporcionado por tu médico o usando software legal o herramientas en línea, dice FamilyDoctor.org.

Una vez que haya completado un testamento vital, el NCI sugiere que lo almacene en un lugar seguro al que sea fácil llegar a un familiar o amigo de confianza. También es posible que desee proporcionar una copia adicional a su médico o equipo de atención médica. Por último, considera llevar en tu cartera una tarjeta que describa la existencia y ubicación de tu testamento vital u otras directivas anticipadas.

Es importante tener en cuenta que un testamento vital no te permite legalmente elegir a otra persona para que tome decisiones médicas por ti. Ahí es donde entra un poder notarial duradero.

Now that you’re familiar with how a living will works – what about making a last will and testament (commonly referred to as a “will”)? Having a will, in addition to a living will, can help you and your family protect what matters most after you have passed away. Consider these four important reasons for making a will:

1. You decide who executes your estate
2. You decide who will inherit your estate
3. You decide who doesn’t inherit your estate
4. You decide who cares for minor children & manages trusts

Decide who executes your estate

Creating a will and appointing a trusted executor of your choice helps ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. It may also help minimize court involvement, says the American Bar Association (ABA). If you pass away without a will (i.e., dying "intestate"), your state will determine how to split up your estate, according to Thomson Reuters' FindLaw. This includes distributing your possessions and property and appointing a guardian for any minor children.

FindLaw says the executor of a will can be any trusted person, such as a close friend or family member. But, don't forget to check that your appointed executor is willing and able to serve in that capacity. They are typically responsible for ensuring all your affairs are in order and executed to your wishes, are responsible for paying off bills and closing any accounts, according to FindLaw. Depending on the size and complexity of your estate, you may want to appoint a lawyer or financial professional who can help manage complex finances or inheritance issues.

Decide who will inherit your estate

A will makes clear which persons or organizations (such as charities or universities) receive all or part of your property when you die, says ABA. This includes homes, vehicles, financial assets and any other personal property you wish to pass on.

You should also keep in mind that some states have community property laws governing spousal inheritance. In these states, a surviving spouse would be entitled to a certain amount of your estate no matter how much you specifically designate in your will, according to ABA. Remember to consult with a knowledgeable professional as part of your estate planning to help you understand any specific laws in your state.

Decide who doesn’t inherit your estate

A will can also be used to disinherit someone who may otherwise be entitled to receive a portion of your estate, says FindLaw. If you don't have a will, all or parts of your estate may end up in the hands of someone you intended to disinherit (such as a relative with whom you've fallen out of touch). When creating a will, remember to check your state's laws to understand who may be legally entitled to a portion of your estate.

You may want to review your will from time to time and make updates when you experience life changes (such as after the birth of a child), recommends The Balance. You can use these opportunities to specify who should receive specific assets based on your new circumstances.

Decide who cares for minor children & manages trusts

By creating a will, you can appoint a guardian to care for your minor children, says ABA. If you do not have a will that outlines this, a court will usually appoint an official guardian. This is why it is crucial to select a trusted guardian for your kids. And, if anyone listed as a guardian or executor in your will passes away, it's important to update your will to ensure your wishes are carried out.

Keep in mind that children under the age of 18 cannot manage inherited property on their own, says HG.org. A will can also be used to create a trust for your minor children and appoint a trustee who will care for their inheritance until they reach adulthood.

Creating a will has numerous benefits for you and your family, and it doesn't have to be difficult. Though using an attorney is helpful when creating a will, you may also be able to do it yourself by using online software solutions to help you craft a legally sound document. Whichever method you choose, creating a will may offer peace of mind that your loved ones will be cared for as you intended.