Document end-of-life preferences in Kansas: Kansas Living Will
What is a Kansas Living Will?
A Kansas Living Will is a legal document that outlines your wishes related to medical care, such as your refusal of or request for a specific medical treatment, in addition to the (optional) selection of a chosen decision maker or "agent."
The person making a Living Will is called the "principal," and the people or entities receiving permission to carry out the principal's wishes are called "agents." Suited for Kansas residents, this free Living Will can be used in Shawnee County, Johnson County, Sedgwick County, and in all other regions in the state. Any Kansas Living Will form from Rocket Lawyer can be customized to address your specific situation. As a result of having this essential document, your healthcare providers will have a point of reference for your decisions, and your representative(s) will be able to provide verification that they have the authority to make choices for you when you are not able.
When to use a Kansas Living Will:
- You want to appoint someone to make medical decisions for you in case you're unable to.
- You're drafting a complete estate plan and want to include information on end-of-life healthcare treatments.
How do I get my Kansas Living Will reviewed?
If you already have a Kansas 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.
Kansas Living Will FAQs
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How do I write a Living Will in Kansas?
It's very easy to record your medical preferences using a free Kansas Living Will template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make the document - Provide a few simple details,, and we will do the rest
- Send or share it - Go over it with your healthcare agent(s) or ask a Legal Pro
- Sign it and make it legal - Required or not, notarization/witnesses are a best practice
This method will often end up being much less expensive than meeting and hiring a traditional law firm. If needed, you may start this Living Will on behalf of your spouse, an elderly parent, or another family member, and then have that person sign when ready. Keep in mind that for a Living Will to be considered valid, the principal must be an adult who is mentally competent when they sign. In the event that the principal is already unable to make their own decisions, a court-appointed conservatorship could be necessary. In such a situation, it would be a good idea to Consult an Legal Pro.
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Why should I have a Living Will?
Anyone who is over 18 years old ought to have a Living Will. While it may be difficult to acknowledge, there could come a time when you cannot make important decisions on your own. Common situations in which it can be helpful to make or update your Living Will include:
- You will be in the hospital for a medical procedure
- You are getting older or have declining health
- You have been diagnosed with a terminal condition
- You intend to live in a care facility
Regardless of whether this Kansas Living Will is being created as a result of a change in your health or as part of a forward-looking plan, notarization and/or witnesses will often help to protect your document if anyone doubts its credibility.
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Do I need an attorney for my Living Will in Kansas?
It’s a good idea to have important documents like your Kansas 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 Kansas 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 would it usually cost for a lawyer to help me make a Living Will in Kansas?
Attorney fees for drafting or reviewing a Kansas 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 Kansas 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 Kansas?
The rules will vary by state; however, in Kansas, your Living Will needs to be signed by a notary public or two witnesses. The witnesses to your document should not be anyone who is responsible for the cost of your health care, nor should they be family members (including your spouse or adopted children), heirs, or any other beneficiaries. As a general principle, your witnesses should not be under 18 years old, and none of them should simultaneously be designated as your agent.
