What is a living will? Why do I need one?
A living will is a legal document directed to doctors and hospitals. In a living will, you explain what you would like to have happen if you are critically injured and cannot speak for yourself. For most people, the living will is an expression of their desire not to be kept alive by machines when they would die naturally if those machines were turned off. Living wills are widely recognized in the United States and in Florida. Most doctors will ask you if you have a living will when you first see them and most hospitals will ask you if you have a living will when you are admitted for treatment. Expressing your desire not to be kept alive by artificial means can save your doctors and family members a great deal of pain and heartache should they ever be placed in the terrible position of having to decide whether to turn off life support machines and allow you to pass away at peace.
