Florida Living Will in minutes

What is an Advance Directive?

An Advance Directive is a legal document that states your healthcare wishes in advance, for a time when you may be unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself.

It typically combines two parts: a living will, which sets out your treatment preferences, and a healthcare power of attorney, which names an agent to make decisions on your behalf.

When do you need one?

An Advance Directive is useful any time you want your healthcare wishes on record before a crisis. Common cases include:

• Planning ahead before a major surgery or medical procedure
• Managing a chronic or serious illness
• Preparing for aging or a decline in health
• Making sure your family isn't left guessing during a crisis
• Naming someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you

Types of Advance Directive

The right combination depends on how much you want to specify in advance. We adapt the document based on what you select, including:

• Living will: your specific treatment preferences and end-of-life wishes
• Healthcare power of attorney: names an agent to decide on your behalf
• Combined directive: both parts in a single document
• DNR and organ donation preferences, where you want to state them

What to include

A complete Advance Directive leaves no room for doubt about your wishes. Make sure yours covers:

• Your full name and the date the directive takes effect
• Your healthcare agent's name and contact information, if you name one
• Your preferences on life-prolonging treatment and resuscitation
• Your preferences on artificial nutrition and mechanical ventilation
• Organ and tissue donation wishes, if any
• Signatures, and witnesses or notarization where your state requires it

State rules and notarization

Requirements vary by state. Most states require the document to be signed in front of witnesses, and some also require notarization or specific statutory language.

Tell us where you live and the document is adapted based on the state you select.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Naming a healthcare agent without discussing your wishes with them first
• Leaving treatment preferences vague or incomplete
• Forgetting to name a backup agent
• Skipping witnesses or notarization required in your state
• Failing to give copies to your agent, family, and doctor