Seminole Living Wills Attorney

We all have the right to make certain decisions regarding our own health care. This includes decisions specific to end-of-life care. For example, do you want to remain on artificial life support if you are in a persistent vegetative state? It is essential that you make these decisions before you are in a position where you can no longer speak or advocate for yourself.

One way to do this is through a living will. Our Seminole living wills attorney can explain the process to you and assist you in preparing the necessary forms. Knudsen Law is a full-service Florida estate and probate firm that advises clients on a number of legal tools that can help them make sure their health care wishes are honored and followed should the worst befall them.

A Living Will vs. a Last Will and Testament

The term “living will” is sometimes confusing for people who think it is the same thing as their last will and testament. The two documents actually serve very different functions. A last will is meant to dispose of your property after you die. A living will, in contrast, is a set of instructions that you leave to your health care providers while you are still alive.

The principal function of a living will is to direct your medical providers to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining care in the event you have a terminal condition or remain in a persistent vegetative state. In this context, life-sustaining care includes providing food or water through an IV or keeping a person who can no longer breathe for themselves on a ventilator. A properly executed living will is legally binding on your health care providers.

As such, a living will does need to be in writing and signed in the presence of two witnesses. At least one of the witnesses cannot be the maker’s spouse or a blood relative. If the maker is no longer physically able to sign their name, they can direct a witness to sign the living will on their behalf. Once a living will is executed, it needs to be given to the maker’s doctor or other health care provider, who will then place it with the appropriate medical records.

A living will does not cover all health-related decisions for a terminal or incapacitated patient. For this reason, it is a good idea to also have a Florida Designation of Health Care Surrogate. This is a separate legal document that appoints a person to give the maker’s consent to certain health care decisions. In the absence of a living will, the surrogate may also make end-of-life care decisions.

Contact Our Seminole Living Wills Lawyer Today

Having a living will is a simple, yet important, step in making sure your wishes are known and respected should you enter a state where you can no longer actively communicate with your doctors. Our Seminole living wills attorney will be happy to walk you through the steps. Contact Knudsen Law today at (727) 398-3600 to schedule a consultation.