Document end-of-life preferences in Washington: Washington Living Will
What is a Washington Living Will?
The individual making a Living Will is called the "principal," while the individuals or organizations obtaining authority to carry out the principal's wishes are called "agents." Suited for Washington residents, this Living Will is made for use in Clark County, Snohomish County, Spokane County, and in every other part of the state. Any Washington Living Will form from Rocket Lawyer can be edited to address your specific situation. Creating this essential legal document provides proof of your preferences to healthcare providers, and it will certify that your chosen agents have the authority to act in your interest when you are not able.
When to use a Washington 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.
Washington Living Will FAQs
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How do I write a Living Will in Washington?
It is very simple to document your medical wishes using a free Washington Living Will template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make your Living Will - Answer a few basic questions, and we will do the rest
- Send and share - Review your wishes with your healthcare agent(s) or seek legal advice
- Sign and make it legal - Required or not, witnesses and notarization are encouraged
This method is often much more affordable than working with a traditional law firm. If necessary, you may fill out this Living Will on behalf of a family member, and then have them sign it after you've drafted it. Please remember that for a Living Will to be considered legally valid, the principal must be mentally competent when they sign. If the principal is already unable to make their own decisions, a conservatorship might be required. When managing this scenario, it would be important for you to speak with an Legal Pro.
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Who should write a Living Will?
Every adult ought to have a Living Will in place. While it may be tough to think about, there might come a time when you can no longer make healthcare decisions on your own. Common circumstances where it may be useful to make or update your Living Will include:
- You have been given a terminal diagnosis
- You plan to be hospitalized for a surgical procedure
- You have plans to live in an adult care facility
- You are getting older or dealing with ongoing health issues
Whether your Washington Living Will has been produced in response to a recent change in your health or as part of a long-term plan, notarization and witnesses can help to protect your document if someone challenges its credibility. Please note that in Washington, your Living Will is not considered valid during pregnancy.
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Do I need to work with an attorney to review my Living Will in Washington?
It’s a good idea to have important documents like your Washington 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 Washington 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 might it usually cost for a lawyer to help me make a Living Will in Washington?
Attorney fees for drafting or reviewing a Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington?
The specific rules and restrictions for Living Wills are different in each state; however, in Washington, your document requires notarization or the signatures of two witnesses. The witnesses to your form shouldn't include any care providers, whether at your home, at an adult family home, or at a long-term care facility, if you live there. Your spouse and any other family members are also restricted from being witnesses. As a general rule, witnesses will need to be over 18 years old, and none of them should simultaneously be acting as your agent.
