DIY Living Will
A living will is an advance directive that explains your wishes regarding your health care should you no longer be able to communicate your own wishes. A living will is a legal document that can be upheld in a court of law. It is best to make your living will as soon as possible, even if you are young. Accidents can happen no matter how old you are. If you don't want to pay an attorney to write the living will for you, you can do it yourself at home.
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Instructions
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Purchase a living will kit from your local office supply store, or print out a sample living will. This is necessary so that you know the accepted format to follow.
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Research the laws in your state regarding living wills. Each state has its own requirements for what should be included in a living will. If you don't want to consult an attorney to find out your state's laws, use your local court's law library.
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Make your declaration. This is where you declare that you are of sound mind and body and that you are making this directive of your own free will. Follow the lingo in the living will kit or sample to make sure that you cover everything that needs to be addressed in the declaration section.
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State your directions. You will need to list what your family is supposed to do in various situations. You must address such issues as whether you want to be kept on life support, whether you want to be resuscitated, or whether you want to be tube-fed. It is best to clearly list what you want done in each circumstance, and what you don't want done.
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Include whether or not you wish to be an organ donor. Should you not want to remain on life support, someone else's life could be saved if you are willing to donate your organs.
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Identify a health care agent who will carry out your living will. Make sure that the health care agent you choose understands the choices you have made in your living will as you must trust her to carry out your instructions. Keep in mind that you do not have to choose a family member to take on this job.
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Sign the living will in front of several witnesses and a notary. The witnesses must then sign the document, followed by the notary.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure that your health care agent either has a copy of your living will or knows where you keep it.
It is a good idea to have an attorney review your living will to make sure that you have a full understanding of the document and that it follows the law in your state.
References
Resources
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