Tennessee Living Will
About this form
A Living Will is a legal document that allows an individual to express their wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care. This form is particularly important for situations where the individual is unable to communicate their preferences due to a terminal condition. Unlike other healthcare directives, a Living Will specifically outlines the individual's desire to refuse artificial prolongation of life under certain circumstances, ensuring their wishes are respected when they can no longer advocate for themselves.
Key parts of this document
- Declarant's personal information, including name and date of declaration.
- Clear statement regarding the desire for natural death and withholding of medical treatment.
- Section on authorization for withholding or withdrawing artificially provided nourishment and fluids.
- Organ donor certification options, allowing the individual to designate organ donation preferences.
- Witness signatures verifying the declarant's competency and absence of conflicts of interest.
- Notarization section for legal recognition of the document.
When to use this document
This Living Will should be used when an individual wants to clearly outline their medical care preferences in the event of a terminal illness or incapacitation. It is essential for anyone who wishes to avoid life-prolonging treatments when recovery is not expected. This document is also relevant for individuals who wish to make decisions about organ donation, ensuring their intentions are documented for medical professionals and family members.
Who needs this form
- Adults who want to specify their medical treatment preferences in advance.
- Individuals facing serious health issues and who want to prepare for potential end-of-life decisions.
- Anyone wishing to articulate their desires regarding organ donation.
- People in families where discussions about end-of-life wishes may be necessary.
Instructions for completing this form
- Start by entering your full name and the date of your declaration.
- Clearly state your desires regarding life-prolonging treatments in the specified section.
- Indicate your wishes concerning artificially provided nourishment and fluids by checking the appropriate box.
- Designate your preferences regarding organ donation if applicable, using the provided options.
- Sign the document in the presence of at least two witnesses who meet the legal requirements.
- Consider having the form notarized for additional legal validation, though it may not be necessary unless specified by local law.
Notarization requirements for this form
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.
Typical mistakes to avoid
- Failing to sign and date the Living Will can render it invalid.
- Not having the form witnessed by individuals who meet the stipulated criteria.
- Overlooking the section on organ donation if this is a priority for the individual.
- Using vague language that may lead to misinterpretation of wishes.
Why use this form online
- Quick and easy access to a legally compliant Living Will template.
- Ability to customize the document to fit personal wishes and circumstances.
- Convenient downloading options for immediate use and sharing with medical professionals.
- Integration of legal guidance ensures that the form adheres to state laws.
Form popularity
FAQ
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.
How Do I Write a Living Will? You'll fill out a form, which you can acquire from an estate attorney or a hospital. You can also download it online, but you'll have to get it notarized, and attorneys and legal websites such as the U.S. Living Will Registry caution that living will forms on the internet may be outdated.
The form may be downloaded in fillable Adobe PDF, Rich Text Format, and Microsoft Word templates and should be signed by the testator and at least two (2) witnesses or a notary public (See your State's Probate Code).
You do not need a lawyer to make a living will, although you can get one from a lawyer if you prefer to. Every state has its own requirements for making a living will, so if you make one on your own, make sure you find a form that meets your state's requirements.
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.
Two witnesses or a notary required for a living will advance directive. Two witnesses required for a living will. Durable power of attorney for health care decisions requires a notary if you are granting your agent power to direct your burial or cremation, if not then you only need two witnesses.
Choose an online legal services provider or locate a will template. Carefully consider your distribution wishes. Identify a personal representative/executor. Understand the requirements to make your will legal. Make sure someone else knows about your will. Consult a lawyer if you have a more complicated estate.
Step 1 Download Your Living Will. Download in Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word (. Step 2 Health Care Directive. Step 3 Life Support. Step 4 Life-Sustaining Treatment. Step 5 End of Life Wishes. Step 6 Medical Power of Attorney. Step 7 Witness Acknowledgment. Step 8 Notary Acknowledgment.
Find an online template or service. Make a list of your assets. Be specific about who gets what. If you have minor children, choose a guardian. Give instructions for your pet. Choose an executor. Name a 'residuary beneficiary' List your funeral preferences.
