Living Will Sample

All of you may have heard of a last will and testament that offers directives on what should be done after a person passes. However, a living will is different and includes directives regarding decisions that should be taken when you are no longer capable, or incapacitated to take your own decisions. In simple terms, if you are in a health condition that will not be improved over time, for instance, if you are on life support, then the decision to be taken off life support may be provided in the living will. Who will take this decision, and under what circumstances it will be taken, will have to be clearly stated in the living will in order to ensure that your human rights are not violated. In order to make this process of writing a living will simpler for you, here's how to make a living will by means of some guidelines, and a sample of a living will.

Writing a Living Will

The method of writing and executing a living will differs from state to state. While in some states a living will is considered to be a health care directive and not a legal document, in others it needs to be notarized by a government authority to be considered valid. In both cases, the living will must be signed by two witnesses who are above the age of 18. It is important to be aware of your state laws before you get down to writing a living will.

When you write a living will, it is important that your family and your doctor know about it. Giving a copy to the person you have nominated for making decisions for you, and to your doctor is a good idea, so that it is executed in the right manner. While a lot of states provide living will forms that you can simply fill and have executed, you may also draft a living will on your own so that it includes every detail you want to be taken care of. A basic living will should include:

• Nomination of the person responsible for decision-making when you are incapacitated to do so
• Details regarding the treatment you wish to and do not want to undergo
• Respect for your last wishes to alleviate your suffering in as comfortable a manner as possible

All this has to be done with a clear and conscious mind, so that the person you appoint to execute the will respects your decisions. Informing your family is also important so that they can accept such a decision, and allow the person appointed to make it when required, without getting too emotional and causing distress to everyone around. Appointing someone who is trustworthy is important, someone who you know will respect the living will to the last word.

Sample of a Living Will

The following sample will help you understand how exactly to write a living will and what should be included in it in order to ensure that it appropriately executed.

LIVING WILL DECLARATION

This living will has been created on the 5th day of January, 2011. I, Fiona Meryl James of 21, New Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, born on 15 December, 1975, in my sound mind and clear though, take the decision to provide this Advanced Health Care Directive to my doctors, surgeons, health care providers, and family, in the event that I am unable to or incapacitated to communicate my wishes or needs myself. I direct that I do not wish my life to be prolonged by artificial means, if under any circumstance, my doctor, health care advisor, or surgeon provide in writing that to the best of their knowledge: I suffer from a condition that is incurable or irreversible; I will be in a permanent vegetative state with no possible sign of recovery; I will no longer be able to take my own decisions regarding the kind of medical care I wish to be provided. In any of the aforementioned events, I wish to be allowed to die respectfully by natural means, or by means of medical treatment to alleviate or shorten my pain and suffering and die a comfortable death. Exceptions to the aforementioned circumstances may be made in case of the following situations: I am pregnant while suffering from the above-mentioned conditions, I wish that my life be prolonged by artificial means until the healthy birth of my child, after which the aforementioned directive may be carried out. (Any other personal wish or desire regarding your medical care and treatment) Executor of the Living Will I appoint, Sarah Ashley James, of 33, New Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, born on 24 July, 1981, as the executor of this will who will take all decisions regarding my medical treatment, if I am unable to communicate my decision, physically or mentally. The decisions of the executor should be respected by all means at all times, with the confirmation that she is clearly aware of my wishes and decisions. This Living Will Declaration expresses clearly my decisions, and preferences, and the fact that I have executed a form specified by the law of the State of _____________. I have not created a contradicting Living will of any nature. Maker of the Living Will Signature: Address: Executor of the Living Will Signature: Address: Witness Statement I declare that the witnesses assigned to acknowledge this document are personally known to me, that this Living Will Declaration has been signed in my presence, and that he/she appears to be of sound mind and under no unwarranted pressure or influence. First Witness Signature: Name: Address: Occupation: Second Witness Signature: Name: Address: Occupation:

Keeping in mind the above-mentioned tips and sample will be of great help when writing a living will. It is always a good idea to consult someone who has already made a living will, and get necessary tips and ideas from that person so as to ensure yours is perfect.