Document end-of-life preferences in Louisiana: Louisiana Living Will
What is a Louisiana Living Will?
A Louisiana Living Will is a legal document that outlines your preferences related to health care, such as your request for or refusal of a medical treatment or procedure, in addition to the optional naming of a chosen decision maker or "agent."
The person making a Living Will is known as the "principal," while the person or entity receiving permission to carry out the principal's wishes is known as the "agent." Suited for residents of Louisiana, this free Living Will is made for use in Orleans Parish County, East Baton Rouge Parish County, Jefferson Parish County, and in every other part of the state. Any Louisiana Living Will form from Rocket Lawyer can be edited for your specific circumstances. Making this essential document provides verification of your preferences to healthcare institutions, and it will certify that your selected agent has been given the authority to act in your interest when you are not able.
When to use a Louisiana Living Will:
- You're preparing to draft a comprehensive estate plan.
- You want to simultaneously safeguard your loved ones and make sure your wishes about medical treatments are upheld.
How do I get my Louisiana Living Will reviewed?
If you already have a Louisiana 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.
Louisiana Living Will FAQs
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How do I write a Living Will in Louisiana?
It's fast and simple to record your medical wishes using a free Louisiana Living Will template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make your Living Will - Provide a few basic details, and we will do the rest
- Send or share - Discuss it with your healthcare agent(s) or seek legal help
- Sign it - Optional or not, witnesses/notarization are encouraged
This method, in most cases, will end up being notably less expensive than finding and hiring a conventional lawyer. If needed, you may prepare this Living Will on behalf of your spouse or another relative, and then help them sign when ready. Please keep in mind that for this document to be valid, the principal must be mentally competent at the time of signing. If the principal is already unable to make their own decisions, a conservatorship generally will be necessary. When dealing with this situation, it's a good idea for you to speak with an Legal Pro.
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Do I need to have a Living Will?
Every person over 18 ought to have a Living Will. Even though it may be difficult to think about, there will likely come a time when you are not able to make your own medical decisions. Here are a few common circumstances where it can be helpful to make or update your Living Will:
- You are aging or have declining health
- You are planning to live in a community care facility
- You plan to be hospitalized for a medical procedure
- You are currently managing a terminal condition
Regardless of whether this Louisiana Living Will is being created as a result of a change in your health or as part of a forward-looking plan, notarization and/or witnesses will often help to protect your agent if their privileges and authority are challenged by a third party.
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Should I hire an attorney for my Living Will in Louisiana?
It’s a good idea to have important documents like your Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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.
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On average, how much would it normally cost me to make a Living Will in Louisiana?
Attorney fees for drafting or reviewing a Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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.
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Does a Living Will need to be notarized or witnessed in Louisiana?
The rules and restrictions for Living Wills vary by state; however, in Louisiana, your Living Will requires two witnesses. As a general rule, your witnesses should be at least 18 years old, and none should simultaneously be designated as your healthcare agent.
