Including Organ Donation Instruction in Your Estate Plan

Creating your estate plan doesn’t just include making sure your assets go to the right people.  It also includes deciding how you want other affairs to be handled after your death.  Organ donation is one of the issues to consider when creating your plan.  We’ve outlined information below to help you explore your options.  If you have any questions, or if you’d like to include your organ donation wishes in your plan, meet with a qualified estate planning attorney.

Organ donation is a great way to help others who might otherwise die.  You can save up to eight lives by being an organ donor and you can help many others recover from trauma, blindness, and burns.  There are over 100,000 people on the organ donor waiting list every day.

It’s important to remember that this decision is completely up to you.  Your personal beliefs and values should shape this important decision.

You may want to consider the following:

• You may choose to donate your entire body to science. Donating your body to science allows you to assist with medical and scientific improvements in the future.  If you choose this option, you will need to make arrangements ahead of time.
• You may choose to donate certain organs. This allows you to control which organs are used.  You can help others who would otherwise die but can also have a traditional cremation or burial ceremony.  Organs are harvested with a open casket funeral in mind.  You can have whatever kind of service you choose.

If you choose to participate in organ donation, you will be making a big difference.  Organ donation can make a tremendous difference in the lives of others after your death.

It’s important to outline your wishes in your estate plan so they are known and respected.  If you need help including organ donation instructions in your estate plan, consult with an experienced estate planning attorney.  For a consultation, call (704) 944-3245 (Charlotte, NC or Huntersville, NC) or for individuals in Kentucky, call (606) 324-5516 (Ashland, KY) or (859) 372-6655 (Florence, KY).