A living will is an important estate planning document that outlines your wishes regarding potentially life-saving medical care. Since unexpected accidents or illnesses can happen to people of any age at any time, we recommend all adults create a living will. Our Melbourne living will lawyers would be happy to walk you through the process.
Our legal team at Bogin, Munns & Munns has served Central Florida for over 40 years, and we have hundreds of years of combined experience.
Our Melbourne wills, trusts and probate lawyers will treat you like family. Contact us today to learn how our legal team can help with your estate plan.
Why Floridians Should Turn to Our Melbourne Living Will Attorneys for Help
At Bogin, Munns & Munns, we have over 40 attorneys on staff who are dedicated to different fields of legal practice, including estate planning. We also have an office conveniently located in Melbourne to cater to all your estate planning needs
When you turn to us for assistance with creating a living will, our Melbourne estate planning lawyers will:
- Provide innovative and comprehensive legal assistance at a fair price
- Prioritize your unique needs
- Treat you with respect and dignity
- Ensure your living will is legally binding, includes all necessary information, and accurately reflects your wishes
With our dedication to dignified and respectful care, we have earned a superb rating on AVOO and a 4.8-star rating on Google. Our Melbourne living will attorneys look forward to providing you with excellent legal service throughout the estate planning process.
To consult with an experienced living will lawyer serving Melbourne
(855) 780-9986
What Is a Living Will, and Why Should You Have One?
When most people hear the word “will,” they think of a last will and testament, which explains how you want your personal property distributed after you pass away. However, a living will is different.
A living will explains your medical care wishes and what lifesaving measures you want implemented if you become incapacitated or cannot make decisions for yourself. Creating a living will has many potential advantages, as it:
- Ensures medical professionals honor your wishes regarding medical treatment
- Removes the burden of making important medical decisions from your family members
- Avoids disagreements or conflicts among your loved ones regarding your medical care
What to Include in Your Melbourne Living Will
A living will addresses several topics that can be uncomfortable to think about, but they are crucial for everyone to consider. Before creating this document, you should evaluate your beliefs and values and determine your specific wishes regarding life-saving medical procedures and end-of-life care, such as:
- CPR or mechanical defibrillation
- Artificial life support and resuscitation
- Mechanical ventilation (breathing tubes)
- Feeding tubes
- Kidney dialysis
- Blood transfusions
- Antibiotics
- Pain medications
- Organ donation
- Palliative care
- Quality of life vs. length of life
- Hospitalization vs. home care
- Burial vs. cremation
As part of the living will creation process, you may also wish to designate someone as your healthcare proxy (or “agent”). In Florida, this is generally done via a separate document called a “Designation of a Health Care Surrogate.”
Per Florida Statutes § 765.202, your agent will have the authority to make healthcare decisions for you that are not specifically outlined in your living will, if necessary.
Our Melbourne living will attorneys can help you understand what to include in each important estate planning document.
Melbourne Living Will Lawyer Near Me
(855) 780-9986
Common Questions About Living Wills and Estate Planning
People often have questions when creating a living will or other documents. Below are answers to some of the common questions we receive from our clients.
If you have another question about living wills or estate planning that isn’t addressed here, please contact the team at Bogin, Munns & Munns.
What Should I Do With My Living Will After it’s Created?
After creating a living will, you should not just throw it in a file cabinet or drawer and forget about it. We recommend making copies and giving them to your loved ones so they can refer to them in an emergency. Your primary care physician may also want a copy to keep in your medical file.
We also encourage you to have a discussion with your loved ones to explain the contents of your living will and answer any questions they have, so there won’t be any confusion or arguments later if the information becomes relevant.
Does My Living Will Override My Wishes in a Specific Circumstance if I Can Still Communicate?
No, your living will is only active if you cannot express your own wishes. If you are still able to communicate, you can make your own decisions in the moment, regardless of what your living will says.
Can I Alter My Living Will if I Change My Mind Later?
Yes, you can change your living will anytime you wish. We recommend reviewing your estate planning documents at least once a year to see if you want to change anything.
Many people make changes to their living will and other documents after a significant life event occurs that may cause them to reevaluate their priorities or preferences, such as a marriage, divorce, or difficult medical diagnosis.
In most cases, you must create a new living will and then destroy the old one. If you want to change your estate plan, our Melbourne living will attorneys can help you create one or more new documents that accurately reflect your current desires.
Can I Create a Living Will Without a Lawyer?
We strongly suggest hiring a Melbourne living will lawyer to help you with the estate planning process. They can ensure your documents include all the required elements and comply with Florida state laws.
What Other Estate Planning Documents Should I Create?
We recommend creating several other estate planning documents, including a last will and testament and a durable power of attorney. Your Melbourne estate planning attorney can walk you through the process and suggest the best documents to create for your unique situation.
Let a Melbourne Living Will Lawyer Guide You Through This Process Today
Whether you are just starting the estate planning process or want to review and make changes to your existing documents, our legal team at Bogin, Munns & Munns is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our Melbourne living will attorneys.
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