Document end-of-life preferences in Ohio: Ohio Living Will
What is an Ohio Living Will?
An Ohio Living Will is a legal document that sets forth your preferences in relation to medical care, such as your acceptance or refusal of a specific medical treatment or procedure, in addition to the optional selection of a trusted decision maker.
The person making a Living Will is called the "principal," while the person or entity receiving authority to carry out the principal's wishes is called the "agent." Suited for Ohio residents, this Living Will can be used in Summit County, Cuyahoga County, Hamilton County, and in all other regions throughout the state. Each Ohio Living Will form from Rocket Lawyer can be fully personalized to address your unique scenario. With this legal document on hand, your healthcare providers will have a record of your decisions, and your agent will be able to offer proof that they have been authorized to act in your interest.
When to use an Ohio 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.
How do I get my Ohio Living Will reviewed?
If you already have an Ohio Living Will and want to have it reviewed, or if you have questions about creating or using one, there are a few ways to get help.
Use Rocket Copilot to ask questions or review your document; this helps you better understand what it says and identify anything that may need a closer look.
If you are looking for help from a Legal Pro, you can also ask a question and receive a response within one business day, or request a more in-depth document review.
Ohio Living Will FAQs
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How do I write a Living Will in Ohio?
It's fast and simple to document your medical preferences using a free Ohio Living Will template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make the document - Answer a few basic questions, and we will do the rest
- Send and share it - Discuss your wishes with your healthcare agent(s) or ask a Legal Pro
- Sign it - Mandatory or not, notarization/witnesses are recommended
This solution, in most cases, would end up being notably less time-consuming than hiring a traditional lawyer. If necessary, you can start this Living Will on behalf of an elderly parent, a spouse, or another family member, and then help that person sign it after you've drafted it. Keep in mind that for a Living Will to be considered valid, the principal must be mentally competent when they sign. In the event that the principal has already been declared incompetent, a court-appointed conservatorship generally will be required. When facing such a situation, it's a good idea to speak with an Legal Pro.
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Do I need to have a Living Will?
Anyone who is over 18 years old should have a Living Will. Although it can be difficult to acknowledge, there might come a day when you are no longer able to make your own healthcare decisions. Here are a few common situations where it may be useful to make or update your Living Will:
- You plan to be hospitalized for a surgical procedure
- You are aging or dealing with ongoing health issues
- You have been given a terminal diagnosis
- You intend to live in a community care facility
Whether this Ohio Living Will has been produced in response to a recent change in your health or as part of a forward-looking plan, notarization and/or witnesses often help to protect your document if someone challenges its validity. In Ohio, a Living Will is not valid during the principal's pregnancy, unless that pregnancy will not develop to a live birth.
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Do I need an attorney to review my Living Will in Ohio?
It’s a good idea to have important documents like your Ohio 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 Ohio 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 I traditionally pay for a lawyer to help me make a Living Will in Ohio?
Attorney fees for drafting or reviewing an Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio?
The specific requirements will be different in each state; however, in Ohio, your Living Will needs to be signed by a notary public or two witnesses. Witnesses to this Living Will cannot be your attending physician or an administrator of the nursing home where you reside, nor your spouse, adoptee, or other relative. As a basic principle, witnesses must be over 18 years old, and none of them should simultaneously be designated as your healthcare agent.
