Document end-of-life preferences in Missouri: Missouri Living Will
What is a Missouri Living Will?
A Missouri Living Will is a legal document that lays out your wishes related to health care, such as your refusal of or request for a certain medical treatment, along with the (optional) selection of a trusted healthcare agent.
The person making a Living Will is called the "principal," and the individuals or entities receiving authority to carry out the principal's wishes are called "agents." Suitable for residents of Missouri, this Living Will is made for use in Jefferson County, St. Louis County, Clay County, and in all other counties and municipalities in the state. Any Missouri Living Will form from Rocket Lawyer can be customized for your unique situation. As a result of this document, your healthcare institutions will have a record of your decisions, and your agent will be able to offer proof that they have the authority to act in your interest when you are not able.
When to use a Missouri Living Will:
- You want to let your loved ones and doctor know what end-of-life medical care you want.
- You're about to prepare a full estate plan.
How do I get my Missouri Living Will reviewed?
If you already have a Missouri 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.
Missouri Living Will FAQs
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How do I write a Living Will in Missouri?
It is fast and easy to document your medical wishes using a free Missouri Living Will template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make the document - Answer a few simple questions, and we will do the rest
- Send and share it - Discuss your wishes with your healthcare agent or get legal advice
- Sign it - Mandatory or not, notarization and witnesses are a best practice
This route, in many cases, will be much less time-consuming than hiring the average lawyer. If needed, you can start a Living Will on behalf of your spouse, an elderly parent, or another family member, and then have them sign once you've drafted it. Please keep in mind that for this document to be legally valid, the principal must be a mentally competent adult when they sign. In the event that the principal has already been declared legally incompetent, a conservatorship could be required. In such a situation, it is a good idea to speak with an Legal Pro.
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Do I need to make a Living Will?
Anyone who is over 18 years old ought to have a Living Will. While it may be unpleasant to think about, there might come a day when you are no longer able to make your own healthcare decisions. Common circumstances in which it may be helpful to make or update your Living Will include:
- You are undergoing a medical procedure that requires anesthesia
- You are getting older or dealing with ongoing health issues
- You are managing a terminal condition
- You are planning to live in a care facility
Regardless of whether your Missouri Living Will has been produced as a result of a change in your health or as part of a long-term plan, witnesses and notarization can often help to protect your document if its credibility is disputed. Under Missouri law, this document is invalid during pregnancy.
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Do I need to hire a lawyer to review my Living Will in Missouri?
It’s a good idea to have important documents like your Missouri 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 Missouri 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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How much might I typically have to pay to make a Living Will in Missouri?
Attorney fees for drafting or reviewing a Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri?
The rules and restrictions will vary by state; however, in Missouri, your Living Will document must be signed by two witnesses. If you are naming a healthcare agent, then you also need a notary. As a general principle, witnesses should be over 18 years old, and none should also be your agent.
