Document end-of-life preferences in New Hampshire: New Hampshire Living Will
What is a New Hampshire Living Will?
A New Hampshire Living Will is a legal document that lays out your wishes related to medical care, such as your request for or refusal of medical treatment, along with the (optional) naming of a trusted healthcare decision maker.
The person making a Living Will is known as the "principal," and the individuals or entities gaining permission to carry out the principal's wishes are known as "agents." Suited for residents of New Hampshire, this free Living Will is made for use in Merrimack County, Hillsborough County, Rockingham County, and in every other county in the state. Any New Hampshire Living Will form from Rocket Lawyer can be personalized for your specific circumstances. Creating this essential legal document will provide a record of your decisions to healthcare institutions, and it will certify that your selected agent has been authorized to act in your interest when you are not able.
When to use a New Hampshire Living Will:
- You want to specify your wishes so that it is more likely they will be carried out.
- You are facing the possibility of surgery or a hospitalization.
- You have declining health.
- You have been diagnosed with a terminal condition.
How do I get my New Hampshire Living Will reviewed?
If you already have a New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire Living Will FAQs
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How do I write a Living Will in New Hampshire?
It is very easy to document your medical preferences with a free New Hampshire Living Will template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make your Living Will - Provide a few details, and we will do the rest
- Send or share - Review your wishes with your healthcare agent or get legal help
- Sign and make it legal - Required or not, notarization and witnesses are recommended
This solution is often going to be notably less expensive and less time-consuming than hiring and working with a conventional provider. If needed, you can fill out this Living Will on behalf of your spouse, an elderly parent, or another relative, and then have that person sign it when ready. Please note that for this document to be accepted as valid, the principal must be a mentally competent adult when they sign. If the principal has already been declared incompetent, a court-appointed conservatorship may be required. When dealing with this situation, it's important for you to connect with an Legal Pro.
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Who should write a Living Will?
Every person over 18 years old should have a Living Will. Although it may be tough to acknowledge, a day will likely come when you can no longer make your own healthcare decisions. Here are some typical circumstances where it would be helpful to make or update your Living Will:
- You are aging or have declining health
- You have plans to live in a residential care facility
- You are facing the possibility of surgery or hospitalization
- You've been diagnosed with a terminal condition
Regardless of whether your New Hampshire Living Will is being drafted as part of a forward-looking plan or produced in response to a change in your health, notarization and/or witnesses are highly encouraged for protecting your document if a third party questions its authenticity.
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Do I need to hire a lawyer for my Living Will in New Hampshire?
It’s a good idea to have important documents like your New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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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What would it normally cost me to make a Living Will in New Hampshire?
Attorney fees for drafting or reviewing a New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
The laws vary in each state; however, in New Hampshire, your Living Will must be signed by a notary public or two witnesses. Witnesses to a Living Will shouldn't be your attending physician or anyone who is acting under your physician's direction. At least one witness must not be your health or residential care provider or such provider's employee. Your spouse and other heirs/beneficiaries should also be excluded. As a general standard, your witnesses should not be under the age of 18, and none of them should simultaneously be acting as your healthcare agent.
