Planning for life.
Planning for life.
Planning for life.
When creating a comprehensive Florida estate plan, it’s critical to include key legal documents that protect your health decisions in case you become incapacitated. These estate planning tools ensure your wishes are honored and reduce stress for loved ones during a medical emergency. Here are three vital documents every Floridian should have:
Living Will (Florida Advance Directive)
A Florida living will outlines your preferences for end-of-life medical treatment. It allows you to clearly state whether you wish to receive life-sustaining interventions if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness, enter a persistent vegetative state, or face an end-stage condition. This document ensures your healthcare team and family follow your choices regarding life support and other critical care decisions.
Florida Designation of Health Care Surrogate
This essential part of your Florida estate planning documents lets you appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf. Often referred to as a medical power of attorney, the healthcare surrogate designation becomes active when you are unable to communicate or make decisions due to illness or injury. Choosing the right surrogate is crucial to ensuring your healthcare preferences are honored.
HIPAA Authorization Form
The HIPAA authorization form is a necessary component of your estate planning in Florida. It allows your designated health care surrogate or other trusted individuals to access your medical records and speak with healthcare providers without legal barriers. This can speed up treatment decisions and ensures that your loved ones are not kept in the dark during a crisis.
Tip: When assigning roles in your estate planning documents, choose individuals who are trustworthy and understand your values. Share these forms with your primary physician and keep copies accessible in case of emergency.
At The Legacy Law Firm, our Florida estate planning attorneys help you create these critical documents with clarity and compassion. Need help getting started? Schedule a consultation with a Florida estate planning lawyer today.
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