Florida Living Will, Health Care Surrogate and other Advance Directives Lawyers
Serving Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, Broward, Okeechobee Counties and the Surrounding Communities
In Florida, a Living Will, Health Care Surrogate, Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO) and other Advance Directives can ensure that your wishes for medical treatment are honored if you are unable to communicate. As Florida elder law attorneys serving Palm Beach, St. Lucie, and Martin counties and the surrounding communities, we can prepare these documents for you. Only an experienced elder law attorney should be entrusted with the preparation of these vital plans, since the wording must be precise and encompass all possible scenarios.
Florida also has its own requirements for the execution and witnessing of advance directives, which should:
- Express your wishes regarding the medical care you want to receive if you are incapacitated and cannot communicate your own desires.
- Empower people you know and trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot make your own decisions.
Many people mistakenly think a Will provides this information. It does not! A Will is a death instrument only. In order to retain control over your medical destiny, you need Advance Directives. These documents may include a Living Will, Health Care Surrogate, Do Not Resuscitate Order and other legal documents. Read about the various types of Advance Directives.
You have the legal right to give informed consent for medical treatment. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment protects a citizen’s “liberty interest in refusing unwanted medical procedures.” You are, for example, entitled to refuse treatment, even if the treatment is curative. You also have the legal right to refuse nutrition, even if you are not terminally ill.
We urge you to contact us to investigate the best ways to provide protection for yourself during your lifetime, and for your loved ones when you’re gone.
Learn more about our Health Care Planning Practice:
Client Review
I thought my case was at an end until I sought legal advice from Jonathan Karp at The Karp Firm. Jon had strongly recommended that I proceed further with my case. I was very hesitant at first but I put my trust in him and continued with the case. Jon worked alongside another firm to ensure that I was represented according to my case. He took the time to understand my case from a personal perspective and made sure that I was being defended with my best interest in mind. I appreciate that he has taken the time to frequently call and update me on the process or check in with me. Jon had worked diligently and was a big contribution to getting my case resolved to exceed my expectations. I am very grateful for the hard work and attention that Mr. Karp has put into my case. He has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. I would 100% recommend Jonathan Karp and The Karp Law Firm. They are true professionals!
5 Star Review – Kara
