Writing A Living Will - Facing Up To The Task

A living will, also known as an advance directive, is a legal document that sets out a person’s choices concerning long term medical care, when he or she is incapable of making decisions

The notion of making living wills or even the contemplation, is certainly not something that comes natural to most people. However, having decided to do so, there is plenty of help available these days.

Living wills forms can be obtained, usually in kits, which provide guidance and assistance in the drafting of a living will.

Due to the legal implications of making a living will, it would certainly be advisable to complete one whilst still well and healthy. It is easy these days to download a free living will template to try, but seeking professional advice to check a final draft is considered essential. Better to be safe than sorry. 

As far as possible, family or close friends should be informed about your living will. Copies should be given to chosen family members, friends, your doctor and health care representatives. It is even possible to appoint somebody to act or make decisions for you, should you be incapable of doing so.A duplicate may also be submitted to a living will registry that will take care of the necessary distribution for a certain fee.

Changes or modifications are always possible, but of course all copies should also be modified and the originals destroyed.

Making a living will is a naturally emotive decision that most people will have difficulty in carrying out. It is therefore very important both professionally and emotionally to get proper and expert advice when drafting legal documents such as this.

Contained throughout the following pages, hopefully you will find the information and expert advice you need to help you make an informed choice on your chosen course of action.