Document end-of-life preferences in Arkansas: Arkansas Living Will
What is an Arkansas Living Will?
An Arkansas Living Will is a legal document that sets forth your preferences related to health care, such as your acceptance or refusal of medical treatment, along with the (optional) naming of a trusted agent or decision maker.
The person making a Living Will is called the "principal," and the people or organizations gaining authority to carry out the principal's wishes are called "agents." Suited for Arkansas residents, this Living Will can be used in Washington County, Pulaski County, Benton County, and in all other counties and municipalities across the state. Each Arkansas Living Will form from Rocket Lawyer can be customized to address your unique circumstances. This official legal document will provide a record of your preferences to healthcare institutions, and it will certify that your chosen representatives have been authorized to act in your interest.
When to use an Arkansas Living Will:
- You want to have control of your end-of-life care, even if you're incapacitated.
- You're getting ready for a complete estate plan.
How do I get my Arkansas Living Will reviewed?
If you already have an Arkansas Living Will and want to have it reviewed, or if you have questions about creating or using one, there are a few ways to get help.
Use Rocket Copilot to ask questions or review your document; this helps you better understand what it says and identify anything that may need a closer look.
If you are looking for help from a Legal Pro, you can also ask a question and receive a response within one business day, or request a more in-depth document review.
Arkansas Living Will FAQs
-
How do I write a Living Will in Arkansas?
It is very easy to record your medical preferences using a free Arkansas Living Will template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make the document - Answer a few simple questions, and we will do the rest
- Send or share it - Discuss your wishes with your healthcare agent or ask a Legal Pro
- Sign it - Mandatory or not, witnesses/notarization are a best practice
This solution, in many cases, will end up being much less expensive than meeting and hiring a traditional provider. If necessary, you can start this Living Will on behalf of an elderly parent, a spouse, or another family member, and then help that person sign it when ready. Please note that for this document to be considered legally valid, the principal must be a mentally competent adult when they sign. In the event that the principal has already been declared incompetent, a conservatorship might be necessary. When managing such a situation, it is a good idea to speak with an Legal Pro.
-
Why should I write a Living Will?
Every person over 18 should have a Living Will. Even though it can be tough to acknowledge, a time may come when you are not able to make your own healthcare decisions. Here are some common occasions in which you may consider it useful to make or update your Living Will:
- You are facing the possibility of medical procedure or period of hospitalization
- You are getting older or dealing with ongoing health issues
- You are currently managing a terminal illness
- You reside in or have plans to move into an adult care facility
Whether this Arkansas Living Will is being produced in response to a change in your health or as part of a forward-looking plan, witnesses and/or notarization can help to protect your document if its legitimacy is disputed. Please keep in mind that, in Arkansas, this document is not valid if you are pregnant.
-
Do I need to hire an attorney to review my Living Will in Arkansas?
It’s a good idea to have important documents like your Arkansas Living Will reviewed before signing, so you fully understand your choices and help avoid unintended outcomes. The problem is that some attorneys may not review documents they didn’t prepare, while others may require a retainer or high hourly fees. This can make getting a legal review of your Arkansas Living Willdifficult and time-consuming.
Rocket Lawyer makes the process easier. With Rocket Lawyer, you can request a review from a Legal Pro or ask questions about your document. You can also use Rocket Copilot to review your document, identify potential issues, and check that everything is complete before signing.
-
How much would it normally cost for an attorney to help me make a Living Will in Arkansas?
Attorney fees for drafting or reviewing an Arkansas Living Will can vary widely. Many lawyers charge hourly rates that may range from around $100 for less experienced attorneys to $350 or more per hour for highly experienced attorneys in major metropolitan areas. For more routine documents, some attorneys may offer flat-fee pricing.
The total cost will depend on several factors, including your location, the attorney’s experience, and the complexity of your agreement. More documents or situations involving negotiation will typically require more time and increase the overall cost.
With Rocket Lawyer, you can create a personalized Arkansas Living Will tailored to your specific needs—without the high cost typically associated with hiring a lawyer. If you have questions or want additional peace of mind, you can also get your document reviewed or ask a Legal Pro for guidance.
-
Does a Living Will need to be notarized or witnessed in Arkansas?
The requirements vary by state; however, in Arkansas, your document requires the signatures of two witnesses or a notary public. At least one witness to this Living Will must be someone who is not a relative, spouse, adoptee, heir, or any other beneficiary. As a basic principle, your witnesses should not be under the age of 18, and no witness should also be your agent.
