Download your free template for Living Will
What is a Living Will?
Not to be confused with a last will and testament, a living will, or advance directive, provides instructions about what kind of medical care you want if you become seriously ill or incapacitated and cannot communicate your preferences. As part of this, you designate an attorney-in-fact to represent your interests. The living will grants them power of attorney so they can communicate your stated wishes with medical providers.
Why do you need to use a Living Will?
A living will is essential to express your wishes to your family members and doctors to help them know what kind of treatment you want if you become incapacitated. Without a document, family members and physicians may end up with painful disputes and conflicts, which sometimes lead to a courtroom. A living will helps your loved ones know and regard your wishes at a hard time.
Who should create a Living Will?
Any adult over 18 should create a living if you are:
- Diagnosed with a terminal medical condition or illness
- Engaged in a high-risk profession (e.g. a fireman or police officer)
- Military personnel being deployed overseas
- Traveling abroad for longer than a few weeks
- Retired and concerned about your current health
What are the main things that go on a Living Will
Making a Living Will is easy and simple but you need to follow specific rules and make essential end-of-life decisions to complete the document. Here are the choices you should make to create a living will:
- Whether you want to create directives for your end-of-life medical care or wish to appoint a Health Care Power of Attorney
- What will be your End-of-life options
- Who would be your health care proxy or agent
- Do you want to donate your organs after your death
- Do you have special requests or wish?
What are the most common mistakes to avoid?
Even after creating a Living Will, there are several reasons the patients may still not receive the care and medications they have requested. Here are three common mistakes for you to avoid when doing your end-of-life planning:
Thinking it is too early to create a Living Will
Some people delay the completion of advance directives because they believe it is too early to think about it or they don’t assume they would ever get sick. However, the best time to think about end-of-life care is right NOW, as soon as the thought crosses your mind.
Choosing the wrong healthcare agent
Choosing the healthcare proxy is very important as he is the person who would make healthcare decisions for you in case you lost your consciousness. It is essential to choose the right person for this responsibility who is emotionally strong enough to bear with the pressure of physicians and family members to provide you with the treatment you wished.
Not expressing your wishes to your family members
It is important to express your healthcare directives and wishes with your loved ones. Not discussing may cause anxiety and stress at the time of severe illness or end-of-life situations. Plan a time and talk with your loved ones about the healthcare decisions you have made. It is better to give the advance directive to each person and make sure they understand your living will and have no confusion in their minds.
Do I need to use a lawyer, accountant, or notary to help me?
No, you do not need a lawyer, accountant, or notary to make your Living Will. Keeping in view the rules of your state, you can create your Living Will in the presence of a witness or two. For the most part, making a Living Will is simple and pretty easy, and you would be able to do it on your own.
Making a Living Will does not have to be costly. Using Form Pros, making your Living Will is pretty simple, simple, and nearly free.
Why use our Living Will generator?
Our tool asks you key questions to ensure you create a Living Will that meets all the needs of you and your family. Our easy to use Living Will generator was creating by a staff of lawyers, entrepreneurs, and tax professionals, and you can have a Living Will for a fraction of the cost you would pay an attorney.