Living Wills Play Important Role In Tampa Estate Planning

Many of the tasks associated with estate planning in Tampa address issues that are likely to arise in the event of your passing. It is important to have the appropriate legal documents in place to convey your wishes and make the situation easier for family members. A living will  achieves similar goals but addresses common issues that may arise prior to your death. Our Tampa estate planning lawyer explains what it is and why it is so important.

The Difference Between A Will And A Living Will 

A last will and testament is one of the most basic yet important estate planning documents. It conveys your wishes, details how property and assets should be handled, and protects your loved ones from disputes and potentially lengthy probate court proceedings. While your will goes into effect upon your death, a living will differs in that it addresses some of the same issues, which may occur over the course of your life.

A living will protects you and your family in the event of a serious illness or injury. It conveys your wishes if you are incapacitated or otherwise unable to communicate yourself. Under the Florida Statutes, common provisions contained within a living will include:

• The types of medical treatment you prefer, regarding both ongoing and end-of-life care;
• Provides information on insurance policies and how medical costs should be paid for;
• Names someone you trust to act as your authorized representative in dealing with doctors and medical facilities;
• Prevents your family from getting into bitter disagreements or having to agonize over what you would have wanted.

Protect Yourself And Your Family By Putting A Living Will In Place

A living will is a type of advance directive. It provides clear guidance and communicates your wishes, protecting your loved ones and allowing you to determine in advance the types of medical care you wish to receive.

Whereas a last will and testament gets filed with the Hillsborough County Family Court after your passing, a living will should be given to medical providers as soon as possible. In addition to ensuring it is included in your medical records, other steps to take when creating a living will in Tampa include:

• Use an experienced Tampa estate planning lawyer to create your living to ensure it conforms to state guidelines;
• Keep your living will in a secure yet safe and easily accessible place;
• Inform your family of its existence, where it is located, and what it contains;
• Update your living will periodically, along with your other estate planning documents, to ensure it reflects your current situation and to make changes as needed.

Request A Consultation With Our Tampa Estate Planning Lawyer 

At Bubley & Bubley, P.A., we provide the trusted legal guidance you need in putting a living will and other important estate planning documents in place. To ensure you and your loved ones are protected in case of unexpected events, call or contact our Tampa estate planning lawyer to request a consultation today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0765/Sections/0765.303.html

hillsclerk.com/court-services/probate-guardianship-and-trust