Document end-of-life preferences in Connecticut: Connecticut Living Will
What is a Connecticut Living Will?
A Connecticut Living Will is a legal document that sets forth your wishes regarding medical care, such as your acceptance or refusal of medical treatment, in addition to the optional selection of a trusted agent or decision maker.
The person making a Living Will is known as the "principal," while the individuals or organizations receiving permission to carry out the principal's wishes are called "agents." Designed for Connecticut residents, this Living Will can be used in New Haven County, Fairfield County, Hartford County, and in all other regions in the state. Each Connecticut Living Will form from Rocket Lawyer can be fully personalized to address your specific situation. As a result of this legal document, your healthcare institutions will have a record of your preferences, and your agent can offer confirmation that they have the authority to act in your interest when you are not able.
When to use a Connecticut Living Will:
- You're drafting a complete estate plan, or want the document to stand alone.
- You'd like to protect your loved ones and give them the legal tools necessary to make the right healthcare decisions for you in case of an emergency.
How do I get my Connecticut Living Will reviewed?
If you already have a Connecticut 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.
Connecticut Living Will FAQs
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How do I write a Living Will in Connecticut?
It is quick and easy to outline your medical wishes using a free Connecticut Living Will template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make the document - Provide a few simple details,, and we will do the rest
- Send and share it - Go over it with your healthcare agent(s) or get legal advice
- Sign it - Optional or not, notarization and witnesses are a best practice
This method will often be notably more affordable and convenient than finding and hiring a traditional lawyer. If necessary, you can fill out this Living Will on behalf of your spouse or another family member, and then have that person sign it after you've drafted it. Please keep in mind that for this document to be considered legally valid, the principal must be mentally competent when they sign. In the event that the principal is already unable to make their own decisions, a conservatorship could be necessary. When facing this situation, it would be best for you to speak with an Legal Pro.
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Who should have a Living Will?
If you are over 18 years old, you should have a Living Will in place. While it's tough to think about, a time may come when you are no longer able to make medical decisions on your own. Common situations where you might find it helpful to make or update your Living Will include:
- You will be undergoing a medical procedure that requires anesthesia
- You are aging or have declining health
- You are managing a terminal illness
- You currently reside in or intend to move into a community care facility
Regardless of whether your Connecticut Living Will is being generated as part of a forward-looking plan or produced as a result of a change in your health, witnesses and notarization are highly recommended as a best practice for protecting your document if anyone questions its credibility.
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Do I need to hire a lawyer for my Living Will in Connecticut?
It’s a good idea to have important documents like your Connecticut 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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut?
Attorney fees for drafting or reviewing a Connecticut 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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut?
The requirements and restrictions for Living Wills vary in each state; however, in Connecticut, your document needs to be signed by two witnesses. As a general rule, witnesses will need to be over 18 years old, and no witness should simultaneously be your healthcare agent.
