[legendofamind]

I've said it before and I will say it again because it is true. Your "Living Will" (really Advance Directive) won't save you. I will make legal mincemeat out of anything like that in court as long as I can pile up enough unchallenged hearsay evidence and have the ear of a sympathetic (and probably conflicted) jurist. That is the real and dangerous precedent that the Schivao travesty of justice set, and is conveniently ignored by the "Kill Terri" crowd (because in this case they got their wish for Terri to be killed).

[neverdem]

I've said it before and I will say it again because it is true. Your "Living Will" (really Advance Directive) won't save you. I will make legal mincemeat out of anything like that in court as long as I can pile up enough unchallenged hearsay evidence and have the ear of a sympathetic (and probably conflicted) jurist. That is the real and dangerous precedent that the Schivao travesty of justice set, and is conveniently ignored by the "Kill Terri" crowd (because in this case they got their wish for Terri to be killed).

Does having the durable power of attorney for health care mean that you have to retain a lawyer that you trust? 8^)

[flixxx]

Correct, the Living Will or Advanced Directive provides insight into the patient's prior wishes (assuming he/she cannot make decisions about his/her care). The Next of Kin has the responsibility to carry out the wishes stipulated in the Living Will or what the patient's wishes 'would be'.
So, I guess one must chose his/her spouse very well or designate someone to make those decisions.