Choosing the Right Living Will Attorney for Your Estate Planning Needs
No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios. We totally get it. But what if a sudden illness or accident left you unable to speak for yourself? Would your loved ones know what medical treatments you want—or don’t want? What if doctors end up making health care decisions that go against your wishes? Sounds terrible, right?
This is why a living will is one of the most critical estate planning tools. It lets you take control of your healthcare choices before it’s too late. By putting your wishes in writing, you ease the burden on your family and ensure your voice is heard—no matter what happens and no matter when it happens.
At Lappin Estate Planning, we know these conversations aren’t easy. But we also know they are necessary. With our extensive legal experience in Florida law, we can help you create a plan that aligns with your wishes and doesn’t omit anything that might be critical.
Our team is here to provide guidance and help you create a legally sound living will so you can have peace of mind. Call us at 561.778.8590 or submit a contact us form to us for a consultation.
What Is a Living Will?
Think of a living will as your voice when you can’t speak for yourself. It’s a legal document that tells doctors what medical treatments you want—or don’t want—if you are seriously ill or injured and unable to communicate as an incapacitated person.
Do you want life support? Would you prefer comfort care only? A living will makes your wishes clear, so your family doesn’t have to guess or argue about what you would have wanted.
Without one, tough healthcare decisions could be left in the hands of doctors or loved ones who may not find middle ground. Creating a living will basically ensures that your choices, not someone else’s, guide your end of life care and emergency treatment.
Let Us Help
Your legacy is your story, your hard work, and your loved ones’ future. We make estate planning simple, personal, and built around what matters most to you. Our lawyer is here to help you create a clear plan that gives you confidence today and security for tomorrow.
Benefits of Creating a Living Will
A living will in Florida gives you control over your medical care, even when you can’t speak for yourself. It removes the burden from your loved ones, so they don’t have to guess what you would have wanted in a crisis.
No family arguments. No guilt. Just clear instructions that doctors and caregivers must follow.
It also prevents unwanted medical treatments. Without a living will, you might be kept on life support in a persistent vegetative state against your wishes.
How to Create a Living Will
Creating a living will is easier than you think and it can save your family from heartbreaking decisions. Here’s how to get started:
- Think about your wishes: Make a list of treatments you would allow or refuse under certain conditions.
- Talk to your loved ones: Let your family members know your preferences so they aren’t caught off guard later.
- Work with a living will attorney: A lawyer ensures your living will is legally valid and customized to your needs.
- Sign it with witnesses: In Florida, you need two witnesses (one cannot be a spouse or relative).
- Share copies: Give copies to your doctor, healthcare proxy, and trusted family members.
Take control of your future today. Because your choices should always be yours. Our living will attorney at Lappin Estate Planning can assist you in putting your health care wishes into writing when you are ready.
Requirements of a Valid Florida Living Will
Creating a living will in Florida ensures your healthcare wishes are honored. But you need to make sure the document is legally valid and binding. Here are the requirements under Florida law:
- Be at least 18 years old: You must be a legal competent adult to make a living will.
- Sign your living will: Sign the document in front of two witnesses.
- Choose your witnesses wisely: One witness cannot be your spouse or a blood relative.
- Be of sound mind: You must understand the decisions you’re making when signing.
These requirements are spelled out in Florida Statutes § 765.302. For more information, consult with your lawyer.
Why Work with a Lappin Estate Planning Attorney
Your healthcare wishes matter and they deserve to be protected. Those templates you can easily find online just won’t cut it. At Lappin Estate Planning, we do more than just draft documents—we make sure your living will reflects your personal values, beliefs, and medical preferences. Laws can be tricky, and even a small mistake could make your wishes unenforceable. Our Florida estate planning lawyer takes the time to listen, explain options and alternative legal instruments, and ensure everything is legally binding.
Frequently Asked Questions Living Wills
A living will ensures your medical wishes are followed if you can’t communicate.
Every adult should have one, regardless of age or health. Medical emergencies can happen unexpectedly.
No, but you should review and update it periodically to reflect your current wishes.
A living will covers medical care while you are alive. A last will deals with distributing your assets after you pass away. So a person might benefit from both a living will and a last will and tesatment.
Keep the original in a safe but accessible place. Give copies to your doctor, healthcare proxy, and close family members.
No, as long as it’s legally valid.
In Florida, it must be signed by two witnesses, but notarization is not required.
No, but a lawyer ensures it meets all legal requirements and truly reflects your wishes.
Most states honor out-of-state living wills, but specific rules vary. Consult with a lawyer if you move.
Contact Us
Your future needs a plan—one that makes the most sense for your unique situation. At Lappin Estate Planning, we’re here to guide you through every step, from wills and trusts to asset protection and probate matters. Let’s build a strategy that fits your needs. Contact us today to start planning.
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Boca Raton, FL 33432
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