When you think about securing your family’s future, you probably consider wealth management through wills and trusts. But sometimes, financial security alone is not enough. You must also protect your loved ones from having to make tough healthcare decisions on your behalf when you can no longer do so. A living will ensures all your medical wishes are clear, giving you and your family peace of mind.
What is a living will?
A living will is a written legal document that contains your medical treatment preferences when you are incapable of making or communicating your own decisions. This typically applies in situations such as terminal illness, severe incapacity, permanent unconsciousness or advanced dementia.
A type of advance health care directive, a living will may include instructions for providing or withholding life-prolonging procedures, pain management and organ donation.
What are the requirements for a living will?
In Florida, you must satisfy certain legal requirements for your living will to be valid. First, you, the principal, must be a competent adult at the time of signing. Then, there must be two witnesses to the signing, at least one of whom is not a blood relative or spouse. If you are physically unable to sign the document, one of the witnesses may sign it on your behalf, but it must be in your presence and at your direction.
Once drafted, it is important to notify your treating physician about your living will. Keep a copy easily accessible at home or tell your loved ones where it is stored. It would also be practical to carry a card with you at all times to let others know you have this advance directive in case of an emergency.
Why should you make a living will as soon as possible?
Right now, you may be healthy and full of life, enjoying every moment with your loved ones. But the reality is that your health and circumstances can change in the blink of an eye.
Having a properly drafted living will allows you to make your end-of-life care decisions while you are still able. This way, you are not passing the burden of making such choices to your loved ones during an already difficult time.