Document end-of-life preferences in Maine: Maine Living Will
What is a Maine Living Will?
A Maine Living Will is a legal document that lays out your wishes with regard to health care, such as your acceptance or refusal of medical treatment, in addition to the optional appointment of a trusted decision maker.
The person making a Living Will is called the "principal," and the person or organization gaining permission to carry out the principal's wishes is called the "agent." Designed for Maine residents, this free Living Will can be used in Penobscot County, Cumberland County, York County, and in every other region in the state. Any Maine Living Will form from Rocket Lawyer can be edited to address your specific situation. This essential legal document provides a record of your preferences to healthcare providers, and it will confirm that your selected representatives have been authorized to make choices for you.
When to use a Maine Living Will:
- You're about to start drafting a complete estate plan.
- You'd like to make sure your medical treatment wishes are upheld while keeping your family informed and safeguarded.
How do I get my Maine Living Will reviewed?
If you already have a Maine 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.
Maine Living Will FAQs
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How do I write a Living Will in Maine?
It's fast and simple to set forth your medical preferences using a free Maine Living Will template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make your Living Will - Answer a few questions, and we will do the rest
- Send and share - Discuss your wishes with your healthcare agent or get legal help
- Sign it and make it legal - Required or not, notarization and witnesses are recommended
This method will often end up being notably less time-consuming than hiring a conventional attorney. If necessary, you can prepare this Living Will on behalf of your spouse, an elderly parent, or another relative, and then help that person sign it once you've drafted it. Please remember that for this document to be legally valid, the principal must be mentally competent at the time of signing. If the principal has already been declared legally incompetent, a conservatorship might be required. In this situation, it's a good idea for you to connect with an Legal Pro.
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Do I need to write a Living Will?
Every person over 18 years old ought to have a Living Will in place. Though it can be unpleasant to acknowledge, there will likely come a time when you can no longer make healthcare decisions on your own. Here are some common occasions where it would be useful to make or update your Living Will:
- You are currently managing a terminal illness
- You are planning for an upcoming medical procedure or period of hospitalization
- You are planning to live in a residential care facility
- You are aging or have declining health
Whether your Maine Living Will is being made in response to a recent change in your health or as part of a forward-looking plan, witnesses and/or notarization can help to protect your agent if someone challenges their privileges and authority.
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Do I need to work with an attorney to review my Living Will in Maine?
It’s a good idea to have important documents like your Maine 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 Maine 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, what would I usually have to pay to make a Living Will in Maine?
Attorney fees for drafting or reviewing a Maine 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 Maine 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 Maine?
The rules governing Living Wills vary by state; however, in Maine, your Living Will needs the signatures of two witnesses. As a basic rule, witnesses will need to be over 18 years old, and no witness should simultaneously be acting as your healthcare agent.
