Document end-of-life preferences in Mississippi: Mississippi Living Will
What is a Mississippi Living Will?
A Mississippi Living Will is a legal document that outlines your preferences related to health care, such as your refusal or acceptance of a certain medical treatment, along with the (optional) appointment of a chosen healthcare decision maker or "agent."
The individual making a Living Will is known as the "principal," and the individuals or organizations receiving permission to carry out the principal's wishes are called "agents." Designed for residents of Mississippi, this free Living Will is made for use in DeSoto County, Hinds County, Harrison County, and in every other county or municipality in the state. Each Mississippi Living Will form from Rocket Lawyer can be tailored to address your unique situation. With this essential legal document on hand, your health care providers will have a point of reference for your preferences, and your representative will be able to offer verification that they have been authorized to act in your interest.
When to use a Mississippi Living Will:
- You're working alone or with a lawyer to draft a complete estate plan.
- You'd like to have your end-of-life medical care wishes legally written down to protect yourself and family.
Have questions about your Mississippi Living Will?
Whether you're preparing your Mississippi Living Will, reviewing one someone sent you, or just want to understand it better, here's how to get help.
- Understand what it says or review it. Use our AI legal assistant to ask questions about your Mississippi Living Will, understand what it says, and spot anything that may need a closer look.
- Ask an attorney a question. Connect with an attorney for legal information, with a written answer within one business day or a live consultation.
- Get advice on what to do. For privileged, confidential advice about your specific circumstances and next steps, book a Legal Advice Session with an attorney.
Mississippi Living Will FAQs
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How do I write a Living Will in Mississippi?
It's fast and simple to set forth your medical preferences with a free Mississippi Living Will template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make the document - Answer a few basic questions, and we will do the rest
- Send or share it - Review it with your healthcare agent or seek legal help
- Sign it - Mandatory or not, witnesses and notarization are encouraged
This method is, in many cases, much more affordable and convenient than meeting and hiring a conventional attorney. If necessary, you may fill out a Living Will on behalf of a family member, and then help that person sign once you've drafted it. Please remember that for this document to be accepted as valid, the principal must be a mentally competent adult when they sign. If the principal is already incapacitated and unable to make their own decisions, a conservatorship might be required. When facing such a scenario, it is a good idea for you to Consult an attorney.
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Why should I have a Living Will?
Every adult should have a Living Will. Even though it's tough to acknowledge, there might come a day when you aren't able to make your own medical decisions. Here are a few typical situations in which it would be helpful to make or update your Living Will:
- You expect to be hospitalized for surgery
- You are getting older or have declining health
- You've been given a terminal diagnosis
- You intend to live in a community care facility
Regardless of whether your Mississippi Living Will has been produced as a result of a recent change in your health or as part of a long-term plan, witnesses and/or notarization can often help to protect your agent if their privileges and authority are disputed by a third party.
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Do I need an attorney to review my Living Will in Mississippi?
It’s a good idea to have important documents like your Mississippi 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 Mississippi Living Willdifficult and time-consuming.
Rocket Lawyer makes the process easier. With Rocket Lawyer, you can request a review from an attorney 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 might it typically cost for an attorney to help me make a Living Will in Mississippi?
Attorney fees for drafting or reviewing a Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 an attorney for guidance.
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Does a Living Will need to be notarized or witnessed in Mississippi?
The laws are different in each state; however, in Mississippi, your Living Will requires notarization or the signatures of two witnesses. At least one of the witnesses to your Living Will form should not be a relative, spouse, adopted child, heir, or any other beneficiary. Your healthcare provider and employees of your healthcare facility are also restricted from being witnesses. As a general rule, your witnesses should not be under 18 years old, and no witness should also be designated as your agent.
