What You Need to Know About A Florida Living Will and Designation of Health Care Surrogate
If you became incapacitated because of an illness or accident, do you know whom you would choose to make health care decisions for you? More importantly, does this person know what medical decisions you want made for yourself in these circumstances?
If your answer is no, then you should speak with a Florida estate planning attorney to draw up a Florida Living Will and Designation of Health Care Surrogate.
A Living Will is a legal document that spells out your wishes and directives on receiving medical care in case you are no longer able to communicate those wishes. It describes the medical care you do – and do not – want to receive under certain circumstances and must be followed by the medical personnel who are taking care of you.
A Designation of Health Care Surrogate – also known as a Power of Attorney – names a person that you entrust with carrying out your health care wishes. Under Florida law, this person can be anyone except a witness to the Designation of Health Care Surrogate document. Many people choose a spouse, parent, child, sibling or other trusted relative or close friend to act as their surrogate.
What is important to remember in choosing a surrogate is that the person must be reliable and trustworthy, as well as someone who is willing to carry out your instructions, even if they face family opposition. Your surrogate does not need to live in Florida, but should be willing to travel if necessary to fulfill their duties.
