How to Write Living Will

A living will is a written document that advises your physician and/or any other medical personnel what your wishes are with respect to certain types of medical treatment in the event that you are incapacitated. Note that this article provides instruction if you want to create your own document, but you can obtain a living will form from other sources such as your physician, a hospital or the Internet. Alternatively, you may want to consult with a lawyer.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper, pen, computer, paper, printer.

How to Write A Living Will

1. First, in bold print, give your document a name. For example, you may entitle your document "Living Will of Jane Doe" and insert your name. If you are using a computer, make the title appear in bold print.

2. In the first paragraph of the living will, you should declare that the document constitutes your living will. State your name, address and telephone number in the first paragraph. For example, you may want to write "I, Jane Doe, of XYZ Street, Anytown, ZY, [phone], declare this to be my Living Will and to become effective if I am incapacitated." In addition, you should specify that you are signing the document on a particular date. For example, you can write "I am executing this, my Living Will, on January 1, 2009."

3. In the second paragraph, state whether you do or do not want life support. You may also specify if there are any other medical treatments or medical interventions you do or do not want to receive (for example, artificial nutrition and/or hydration). You can specify any particular situations or scenarios (for example, if you are declared brain dead, you do/do not wish to receive XYZ as a treatment), or you can just keep it broad (for example, you do/do not want to receive XYZ). It is advisable to consult with your physician in order to identify medical treatments you may or may not wish to receive.

4. In the third paragraph of the living will, you can state whether you would like to donate any organs. If you do wish to donate organs, be sure to specify any limitations on the donation of organs (for example, whether you only wish to donate your eyes).

5. The final part of the living will includes your signature and the date you are signing the document. Include a signature line with your name typed underneath. Make sure you sign the living will in front of at least two witnesses and in the presence of a notary public. Ensure that the notary public provides the validation of witnessing your signature. Prior to signing, check the requirements of your particular jurisdiction in order to make sure that you are signing a legally effective document.

Tips & Warnings

• Review your living will from time to time to make sure the document reflects your intentions with respect to medical treatments and interventions. Medical technology changes over time, as well as your own health status. Therefore, it is crucial to take steps to ensure that the document is accurate.
• This is a general living will document guideline and does not constitute legal advice or recommendations in any way. In addition to following the above guidelines, it is IMPERATIVE that you check the living will requirements of the jurisdiction in which you reside such that your document is legally effective. Every jurisdiction has different requirements and as a result, it is important to review those requirements when creating a living will.

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