Document end-of-life preferences in Rhode Island: Rhode Island Living Will
What is a Rhode Island Living Will?
A Rhode Island Living Will is a legal document that lays out your wishes with regard to health care, such as your refusal of or request for specific medical treatments or procedures, along with the (optional) naming of a chosen healthcare decision maker or "agent."
The person making a Living Will is known as the "principal," while the people or organizations gaining permission to carry out the principal's wishes are called "agents." Suited for residents of Rhode Island, this free Living Will is made for use in Washington County, Providence County, Kent County, and in every other county in the state. Each Rhode Island Living Will form from Rocket Lawyer can be customized for your particular situation. As a result of having this official legal document, your medical institutions will have a point of reference for your preferences, and your representative can provide confirmation that they have the authority to make choices for you when you are not able.
When to use a Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Living Will reviewed?
If you already have a Rhode Island 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.
Rhode Island Living Will FAQs
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How do I write a Living Will in Rhode Island?
It's very easy to set forth your medical wishes using a free Rhode Island Living Will template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make the document - Provide a few details, and we will do the rest
- Send and share - Review it with your healthcare agent or seek legal help
- Sign it - Optional or not, notarization/witnesses are a best practice
This route, in many cases, would be much more affordable and convenient than working with a conventional lawyer. If necessary, you can start this Living Will on behalf of an elderly parent, a spouse, or another relative, and then have that person sign it after you've drafted it. Keep in mind that for a Living Will to be accepted as legally valid, the principal must be mentally competent when they sign. If the principal is already unable to make their own decisions, a court-appointed conservatorship might be required. When facing such a scenario, it is important to ask an Legal Pro.
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Who should have a Living Will?
Every adult should have a Living Will in place. Although it can be painful to think about, there will likely come a day when you are no longer able to make your own medical decisions. Common circumstances where it might be helpful to make or update your Living Will include:
- You are managing a terminal condition
- You will be expecting to undergo an in-patient procedure requiring anesthesia
- You currently live in or are preparing to move into a community care facility
- You are aging or have declining health
Whether your Rhode Island Living Will has been prepared as part of a long-term plan or made as a result of a recent change in your health, notarization and witnesses are highly encouraged for protecting this document and/or your agent if their privileges and authority are questioned. In Rhode Island, Living Wills are not valid during pregnancy, as long as the fetus could develop for a live birth.
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Do I need to work with a lawyer to review my Living Will in Rhode Island?
It’s a good idea to have important documents like your Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 I normally pay for a lawyer to help me make a Living Will in Rhode Island?
Attorney fees for drafting or reviewing a Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
The specific rules and restrictions governing Living Wills are different by state; however, in Rhode Island, your Living Will requires the signatures of two witnesses. Witnesses shouldn't include your healthcare provider or their employees, nor should they be the owners, operators, or employees of your community care facility. Only one of the witnesses may be legally related to you (such as a spouse, adopted child, or family member) or any other heir/beneficiary. As a basic principle, witnesses should be over 18 years old, and none should also be named as your healthcare agent.
