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Your religious values can be reflected in your estate plan

On Behalf of | Dec 21, 2022 | Estate Planning |

Our religion can influence our core beliefs about how we live our life and what will happen after we pass away. It is an essential part of who we are.

Thus, it is only natural that your preferences for end-of-life care are based on your religious beliefs. To make sure these preferences are honored, it is important to have both a health care durable power of attorney and a living will.

Health care durable power of attorney and religion

In your health care durable power of attorney, you will select an individual to make health care decisions for you if you are mentally or physically unable to communicate your wishes yourself.

If you have strong religious beliefs, it may seem obvious to choose a person who shares these beliefs. The idea is that they will make the same decisions you would have based on your shared religion.

Still, there is no guarantee that the person with durable power of attorney will follow your religious beliefs when making decisions. Thus, it is important to document your preferences in a living will.

Living wills and religion

A living will can provide your power of attorney with directions on what end-of-life decisions you prefer based on your religious beliefs.

For example, you may:

  • State that you do not want your organs donated
  • Choose a specific hospital or hospice facility
  • State that you want to be visited by a religious leader when nearing death
  • Dictate whether you want CPR performed
  • Dictate whether you want to be put on life support

Your religious tenants may influence these decisions. It is easier for your power of attorney to make the same decisions you would make if you could if your wishes are documented in a written living will.

You can base your estate plan on your religious beliefs

You religion is important to you, and this can be reflected in your estate plan. You can choose a durable power of attorney who shares your beliefs. You can document your religious preferences for end-of-life care in your living will. This way, you can rest comfortably knowing that your beliefs and wishes will be respected.