Authority and Will: Arrange Your Estate

Questioner

I haven't been in touch with my family for some time now. Now I wonder who has authority over me if something happens to me. For example, who decides whether the plug can be pulled if I fall into a coma, who is in charge of my funeral and who is in charge of my estate if I die? I don't want my family to be like that. I don't have a partner, but I do have a good friend who I would like to make responsible for these things. He wants that too. How can I best arrange that?

Lawyer

These kinds of matters are best included in a will through a notary. A notary can also advise you on your estate and the rights and obligations for the friend you mention. Please note that most of these types of things cannot be legally settled by simply putting something on paper and signing it.

Questioner

Thanks for the response. Isn't it true that a will is only for after death? I don't want them to be able to claim anything during my lifetime.

Lawyer

Apologies for the confusion. For example, for the situation that you are in a coma and cannot decide for yourself, there is a so-called living will. This is also recorded by a notary. For more information, you could look here: http://www.notaris.nl/levenstestament.