Document end-of-life preferences in Wisconsin: Wisconsin Living Will
What is a Wisconsin Living Will?
A Wisconsin Living Will is a legal document that sets forth your preferences related to medical care, such as your request for or refusal of medical treatment, along with the optional selection of a trusted agent or healthcare decision maker.
The person making a Living Will is known as the "principal," while the individuals or entities gaining permission to carry out the principal's wishes are called "agents." Designed for residents of Wisconsin, this free Living Will can be used in Waukesha County, Milwaukee County, Dane County, and in all other parts of the state. Any Wisconsin Living Will form from Rocket Lawyer can be edited for your unique circumstances. As a result of having this essential document, your medical institutions will have a point of reference for your decisions, and your representative(s) can offer proof that they have the authority to make choices for you when you are not able.
When to use a Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Living Will reviewed?
If you already have a Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin Living Will FAQs
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How do I write a Living Will in Wisconsin?
It's simple and easy to outline your medical wishes using a free Wisconsin Living Will template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make the document - Provide a few general details, and we will do the rest
- Send and share it - Look over your wishes with your healthcare agent(s) or get legal help
- Sign and make it legal - Mandatory or not, witnesses and notarization are encouraged
This solution is, in most cases, notably more affordable than working with a conventional law firm. If necessary, you may prepare a Living Will on behalf of your spouse or another relative, and then help that person sign once you've drafted it. Keep in mind that for this document to be accepted as legally valid, the principal must be an adult who is mentally competent at the time of signing. In the event that the principal is already incapacitated and unable to make their own decisions, a conservatorship generally will be required. When managing such a situation, it is important to speak with an Legal Pro.
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Do I need to have a Living Will?
Every adult should have a Living Will. Even though it's painful to think about, a day could come when you can no longer make important decisions on your own. Common occasions where you may find it helpful to make or update your Living Will include:
- You plan to be in the hospital for surgery
- You are aging or dealing with ongoing health issues
- You've been diagnosed with a terminal condition
- You reside in or have plans to move into a care facility
Regardless of whether this Wisconsin Living Will has been generated as part of a long-term plan or created in response to a change in your health, witnesses and notarization are highly recommended as a best practice for protecting your document if a third party disputes its authenticity. Under Wisconsin law, a Living Will is not considered valid during pregnancy.
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Do I need a lawyer to review my Living Will in Wisconsin?
It’s a good idea to have important documents like your Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 normally need to pay to make a Living Will in Wisconsin?
Attorney fees for drafting or reviewing a Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
The rules will be different by state; however, in Wisconsin, your Living Will needs two witnesses. Your chosen witnesses should not be people who are responsible for the cost of your medical care or any healthcare provider/facility or their employee (other than a chaplain or social worker). You should also exclude family members, including your spouse, domestic partner, or adopted children, along with other relatives, heirs, or beneficiaries. As a general principle, witnesses should be over 18 years old, and none should also be acting as your healthcare agent.
