Skilled Tampa Living Will Attorneys Helping Protect Your Medical Wishes
A living will is one of the most important documents in a comprehensive estate plan. It allows you to clearly state your preferences for medical treatment if you become unable to communicate due to serious illness, injury or incapacity. For individuals and families in Tampa, having these instructions in place can reduce confusion, conflict and emotional strain during already difficult moments.
At Lins Law Group, P.A., our attorneys have been addressing the complex estate planning concerns for Tampa families, professionals and business owners for more than 30 years. We take a thoughtful, detail-driven approach to planning so that your medical wishes are clearly documented and coordinated with the rest of your estate plan.
What Is A Living Will? When Does It Go Into Effect?
A living will attorney helps you create a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding life-prolonging medical treatment. This may include directions about artificial nutrition, hydration, ventilators, resuscitation and other end-of-life care decisions.
A living will does not take effect immediately. Instead, it becomes effective only if you are unable to communicate your own health care decisions and a physician determines that you meet the legal standard for incapacity under Florida law.
What A Living Will Cannot Do
While a living will is an important estate planning tool, it has defined limits. It does not distribute property, direct financial accounts or control who receives your assets after death.
It also does not authorize someone to manage your finances or legal affairs. Those matters are typically handled through other documents, such as a durable power of attorney, trust or last will and testament. Our lawyers often help clients coordinate all of these documents into a single, comprehensive plan.
Can You Change A Living Will?
Yes. A living will should be reviewed and updated whenever major life events occur. Marriage, divorce, health changes, the birth of grandchildren, retirement or changes in family relationships may all justify revisions. In general, however, a living will can be changed at any time, so long as the maker is competent.
Speak With Lins Law Group, P.A., About Living Will Planning
If you need help creating or updating a living will, contact Lins Law Group, P.A., through our online contact form or call 813-280-0082 to speak with an attorney. From our Tampa office, we serve clients throughout the nation. We also offer free initial consultations.