Living Will Add Words For Free

These are my wishes if I am ever in a persistent vegetative state. _____ I do not want life-sustaining treatments (including CPR) started. If life-sustaining treatments are started, I want them stopped. _____ I want the life-sustaining treatments that my doctors think are best for me.

The short answer is that a living will is a type of advance directive, while advance directive is a broad term used to describe any legal document that addresses your future medical care. Living wills are advance directives, but not all advance directives are living wills.

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.

Your living will should exist in a physical form meaning it should be printed, so you have a hard copy. You should sign your living will, and have it witnessed and notarized according to your state's laws. Most states require two witnesses to a living will, and some also require a notary's seal.

Even though they are not required to follow your wishes, most will do so.In an emergency, a physician's choices could override your living will for another reason; if proper care dictates you to be treated in a certain way or there is an ethical obligation, that could override your wishes.

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.

Keep in mind that you can always change your Living Will for any reason, at any time, by revoking it. To do so, you will have to do more than tear up your existing document. It remains a legally binding document until it is formally revoked. You are the only person who can change or revoke your Living Will.