Choose Your Future Critical Medical Care With A Living Will

When real estate has to pass through probate in order to be administered to an heir or heirs, it can cause major headaches for those involved. With the proper planning, our attorneys can ensure that your property remains exempt from probate and can be transferred directly to your loved ones upon your death.

At the Law Office of Cheryl Bucker, P.A., our attorneys often encourage clients to consider using enhanced life estate deeds — also known as ladybird deeds — as part of their estate plans to protect their property from probate. We have experience assisting clients in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Lighthouse Point, Pompano Beach and other nearby towns.

A Living Will Can Express Your Most Personal Wishes

A living will communicates your desire to have certain life-sustaining medical procedures withheld or withdrawn in the event that you have been diagnosed with an irreversible end-stage condition, a terminal condition or a persistent vegetative state. Your primary or treating physician and another consulting physician must agree on your diagnosis before any life-sustaining medical procedures will be withheld or withdrawn.

Without a living will, decisions about your end-of-life medical care could fall to others, such as doctors or judges, who do not know your preferences. Alternatively, your family members might have to make critical choices about your care, which could cause confusion, guilt or conflict between disagreeing family members.

You never know when you might need a comprehensive estate plan, but by then, it could be too late. Do not leave your loved ones in a difficult situation; contact the Law Office of Cheryl Bucker, P.A., to assist you in handling your affairs. From our office in Pompano Beach, we assist clients in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Lighthouse Point and the surrounding towns.

Florida Living Will FAQs

We have sat across the table from Floridians just like you, concerned, unsure and trying to plan ahead during uncertain times. These questions come up often, and we hope the answers help you.

What is the difference between a living will and a last will and testament in Florida?

A living will addresses your medical care preferences while you are still alive but unable to communicate your wishes due to illness or injury. It specifically covers situations where you are in a terminal condition, persistent vegetative state or end-stage condition. Your last will and testament, on the other hand, distributes your property and assets after you pass away.
In Florida, both documents serve different purposes at different times in your life; one protects your medical autonomy while living, and the other handles your estate after death.

Is a living will the same as a designation of health care surrogate?

No, a living will is a written statement of your medical preferences that only takes effect when you cannot speak for yourself and are facing specific, serious medical conditions, such as a terminal condition, end-stage condition or are in a persistent vegetative state. A designation of health care surrogate appoints someone you trust to make broader medical decisions on your behalf when you are incapacitated.

How can I ensure my living will is followed if I cannot speak for myself?

Confirm that your document clearly states your wishes about life-prolonging procedures. Give copies to your primary care doctor, any specialists treating you. Keep the original in an easily accessible place and inform your family where to find it.

What if my family objects to the instructions in my living will?

Under Florida law, your properly executed living will takes legal precedence over family members’ wishes when you are unable to speak for yourself. Healthcare providers are legally bound to follow the instructions in your living will, even if family members object.

Contact Us: Preserve Your Legacy For Future Generations.

Make the move to protect the ones you love. To find out how our experienced lawyers can help you with estate planning and the protection of your family for generations to come, fill out our contact form or call 954-781-8230 to schedule a free consultation.