Document end-of-life preferences in Vermont: Vermont Living Will
What is a Vermont Living Will?
A Vermont Living Will is a legal document that outlines your wishes with regard to health care, such as your refusal or acceptance of specific medical treatments, along with the optional selection of a chosen healthcare agent.
The person making a Living Will is called the "principal," and the person or entity gaining authority to carry out the principal's wishes is called the "agent." Designed for Vermont residents, this Living Will can be used in Chittenden County, Bennington County, Caledonia County, and in every other part of the state. Each Vermont Living Will form from Rocket Lawyer can be completely personalized to address your specific circumstances. As a result of this official legal document, your medical facilities will have a record of your decisions, and your agent(s) will be able to offer confirmation that they have been given the authority to make choices for you when you are not able.
When to use a Vermont 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 Vermont Living Will reviewed?
If you already have a Vermont 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.
Vermont Living Will FAQs
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How do I write a Living Will in Vermont?
It's simple and easy to record your medical wishes using a free Vermont Living Will template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make the document - Provide a few simple details, and we will do the rest
- Send and share it - Look over it with your healthcare agent or ask a Legal Pro
- Sign and make it legal - Required or not, witnesses and notarization are a best practice
This solution will often be notably more affordable and convenient than finding and hiring the average attorney. If necessary, you can fill out a Living Will on behalf of a family member, and then help them sign once you've drafted it. Please keep in mind that for this document to be considered legally valid, the principal must be mentally competent at the time of signing. If the principal is already incapacitated and unable to make their own decisions, a court-appointed conservatorship could be necessary. When dealing with such a scenario, it is important for you to speak with an Legal Pro.
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Why should I write a Living Will?
Anyone who is over 18 should have a Living Will in place. Although it is challenging to acknowledge, there could come a time when you are no longer able to make your own medical decisions. Here are some common occasions in which it would be helpful to make or update your Living Will:
- You are currently managing a terminal condition
- You will be in the hospital for a medical procedure
- You are planning to live in an adult care facility
- You are getting older or have declining health
Regardless of whether this Vermont Living Will is being drafted as part of a long-term plan or made in response to a recent change in your health, witnesses and notarization are strongly encouraged as a best practice for protecting your document if its authority is disputed.
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Do I need a lawyer for my Living Will in Vermont?
It’s a good idea to have important documents like your Vermont 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 Vermont 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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How much would it usually cost to make a Living Will in Vermont?
Attorney fees for drafting or reviewing a Vermont 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 Vermont 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 Vermont?
The rules and restrictions for Living Wills vary by state; however, in Vermont, your Living Will needs to be signed by two witnesses. Witnesses to this Living Will must not include your spouse, parent, adult sibling, adult child, or adult grandchild. As a basic principle, your witnesses must be at least 18 years old, and none should also be your agent.
