A Living Will is an indispensable estate planning tool, but it covers limited circumstances. In Florida, a Living Will is used to direct your health care provider concerning what life-prolonging medical treatments or procedures should be used or withdrawn if you are in a persistent vegetative state or death is imminent and you’re not capable of directing your own health care.
A Living Will can’t be used for other purposes, like directing your healthcare provider to use or withdraw medication or procedures to alleviate pain or provide you with comfort care. This is why, in addition to a Living Will, you should have a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. This is an equally indispensable planning tool, and it lets you name a trusted loved one or friend to communicate with your doctors and direct your health care in situations where you’re unable to communicate for yourself.
As with any other legal document, Florida law is quite specific when it comes to the requirements for establishing a valid Living Will or Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. This is why you’ll want to get the help of an experienced estate planning attorney in creating these documents.
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