South Dakota Statutory Living Will
Understanding this form
The Statutory Living Will is a legal document that allows individuals to express their healthcare wishes in case they are unable to communicate due to a terminal condition. This form differs from other medical advance directives in that it specifically addresses the use of life-sustaining procedures, enabling you to make clear decisions about your care. It ensures that your preferences regarding treatment are honored, allowing for either the continuation or cessation of medical interventions meant to prolong life when death is imminent.
Form components explained
- Personal information section for the declarant's name and address
- Instructions regarding life-sustaining treatments and preferences
- Options for artificial nutrition and hydration decisions
- Signature lines for the declarant, witnesses, and a notary public
- Field for additional instructions if neither option is chosen
When this form is needed
This form is used during critical healthcare planning scenarios, especially if you are facing a terminal illness or are at significant risk of becoming unable to communicate your medical preferences. It is particularly important for individuals who want to ensure their end-of-life wishes are clearly understood and respected by healthcare providers and family members. Using this form can prevent confusion and conflict among family members during difficult times.
Who should use this form
This form is beneficial for:
- Adults wishing to outline their healthcare preferences
- Individuals diagnosed with terminal illnesses
- People who wish to alleviate potential stress for their families regarding healthcare decisions
- Those who want to ensure that their end-of-life wishes are respected by medical professionals
Instructions for completing this form
- Start by filling in your name and address at the top of the form.
- Read the instructions carefully and select your preferred option regarding life-sustaining treatment.
- If desired, indicate your preferences regarding artificial nutrition and hydration.
- Sign and date the form in the presence of two witnesses and a notary public.
- Provide copies of your completed living will to your healthcare provider, family members, and keep a copy for your records.
Is notarization required?
This form must be notarized to be legally valid. US Legal Forms provides secure online notarization powered by Notarize, allowing you to complete the process through a verified video call.
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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.
Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.
Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.
If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.
We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Mistakes to watch out for
- Failing to sign the document in front of witnesses and a notary public.
- Not clearly specifying your wishes regarding treatment options.
- Neglecting to provide copies to relevant parties.
- Not revisiting the living will periodically to ensure it still reflects your wishes.
Benefits of completing this form online
- Convenient access to the form at any time.
- Easy to download and edit as needed.
- Guidance provided to complete the form accurately.
- Secure storage options for your completed documents.
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FAQ
Living will. A living will is a written, legal document that spells out medical treatments you would and would not want to be used to keep you alive, as well as your preferences for other medical decisions, such as pain management or organ donation. In determining your wishes, think about your values.
Advance directives are oral and written instructions about future medical care should your parent become unable to make decisions (for example, unconscious or too ill to communicate).A living will is one type of advance directive. It takes effect when the patient is terminally ill.
A living will is a vital part of the estate plan.But your family cannot override your living will. They cannot take away your authority to make your own treatment and care plans. In fact, you always retain the right to override your own decisions.
Living will. A living will is a written, legal document that spells out medical treatments you would and would not want to be used to keep you alive, as well as your preferences for other medical decisions, such as pain management or organ donation. In determining your wishes, think about your values.
An advance directive is a set of instructions someone prepares in advance of ill health that determines his healthcare wishes. A living will is one type of advance directive that becomes effective when a person is terminally ill.
A living will is a vital part of the estate plan.But your family cannot override your living will. They cannot take away your authority to make your own treatment and care plans. In fact, you always retain the right to override your own decisions.
Two witnesses and a notary are required for a living will. Medical power of attorney for health care also requires two witnesses and a notary. Declaration to physicians (living will) requires two witnesses, but is not valid if pregnant. Power of attorney for health care requires two witnesses.
A living will becomes effective when your primary physician decides that you can no longer make your own healthcare decisions. If you are ill or injured and cannot express your healthcare wishes, and your doctor certifies this fact in writing, your living will takes effect.
Living Wills are Binding Legal Documents You need to legally outline your wishes in compliance with state law. Your living will needs to cover what you wish to happen if you become terminally ill, permanently unconscious, or unable to convey your own wishes.
