O’Fallon Living Will Lawyer

Living Will Lawyer & Estate Planning Law Firm – O’Fallon, Missouri

Planning for the future is never easy, especially when it involves decisions about your medical care or end-of-life wishes. At Legacy Law Center, our experienced living will lawyers in O’Fallon, MO have helped individuals and families across Missouri create clear, enforceable living wills that reflect their values, protect their legal rights, and give peace of mind to loved ones.

Your living will is one of the most important documents you can create—it ensures that your wishes are honored if you become unable to speak for yourself.

What Is a Living Will?

A living will, sometimes called an advance directive, is a legal document that states your preferences for medical treatment if you become seriously ill, injured, or otherwise incapacitated and cannot communicate your wishes.

Examples include:

• Whether you want artificial hydration or nutrition
• Your preferences for life-sustaining treatments
• Organ donation decisions (often handled through a separate designation)

Unlike a last will and testament, which takes effect after death, a living will only applies while you are still alive.

Why Work With a Living Will Lawyer in O’Fallon, MO?

You are not legally required to hire an attorney to create a living will—technically, you could write one yourself. However, the strength of your living will matters most if it is ever challenged.

Our attorneys:

• Ensure your document is legally binding under Missouri law
• Use precise language to avoid misinterpretation
• Help integrate your living will into your overall estate plan
• Advise you on naming a durable power of attorney for healthcare to make decisions on your behalf

By working with a qualified lawyer, you reduce the risk of disputes, confusion, or a court overturning your wishes.

Missouri Law and Your Rights

Under Missouri law, you have the right to refuse any medical treatment, even if that treatment could prolong your life. A well-drafted living will ensures these decisions are honored by healthcare providers, family members, and—if necessary—the courts.

The more specific your living will, the less likely it will be contested.

Common Questions About Living Wills

Can I create a joint living will with my spouse?
No. Living wills are personal to each individual, as medical decisions will depend on your specific condition. However, you can name your spouse as your healthcare decision-maker.

When should I update my living will?
You don’t need to update it constantly, but review it after major life events such as marriage, divorce, or a significant medical diagnosis to ensure it still reflects your wishes.

Does my living will expire after I pass away?
Yes. A living will only applies while you are alive. After your death, your last will and testament governs your estate.

How Legacy Law Center Can Help

Since 2012, Legacy Law Center has provided personalized, compassionate legal services in estate planning, including:

• Drafting new living wills
• Reviewing and updating existing directives
• Integrating living wills with trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning tools

We serve clients throughout O’Fallon and surrounding Missouri communities, offering clear guidance in an often difficult conversation.

Living Will FAQs

1. What’s the difference between a living will and a last will and testament?
A living will applies while you are alive but unable to communicate your medical wishes. A last will and testament takes effect after death and deals with property distribution.

2. Can I change my living will after it’s signed?
Yes. You can revoke or update your living will at any time, as long as you are mentally competent.

3. Do doctors have to follow my living will in Missouri?
Yes, as long as it is valid under Missouri law and specific enough to apply to your situation.

4. What happens if I don’t have a living will?
Your loved ones and healthcare providers will make decisions based on Missouri’s default medical decision-making laws, which may not align with your wishes.

5. Should my living will be part of my estate plan?
Yes. A living will works best when it’s integrated with your estate plan, your healthcare power of attorney, and any trusts or other planning documents you have.

Speak With a Living Will Lawyer O’Fallon MO Trusts

Don’t leave critical medical decisions to chance—or to others who may not know your true wishes. Our team will help you create a living will that is legally strong, crystal clear, and fully aligned with your values.