Living Will
A document that states your wishes for medical care if you cannot speak for yourself.
Opens a fillable version in your browser. Free, no account, and free to download. This is a helper, not the official form.
About Living Will
A Living Will, also called an advance directive, is a document that describes the medical treatments you would or would not want if you become seriously ill and cannot communicate. It commonly covers life support, artificial nutrition and hydration, resuscitation, and comfort care.
This general template helps you record your preferences and, if you wish, name a health care agent to make decisions consistent with your values. It is meant to help you prepare and start conversations with your family and doctors. It is not medical or legal advice.
Requirements differ across states, and many use their own official advance directive forms. Most states require your signature along with witnesses, a notary, or both. Confirm the format your state and health care providers accept, and share copies with your doctor and loved ones.
Who needs to complete it
- Adults who want a say in their care if they cannot communicate
- People with serious or chronic health conditions
- Anyone who wants to name a health care agent
- Individuals who want to relieve family from difficult decisions
- People planning ahead as part of estate or care planning
How to fill out Living Will
- 1Enter your full name and address as the person making the directive.
- 2State your general wishes about life sustaining treatment.
- 3Indicate your preferences on specific measures such as resuscitation and artificial nutrition.
- 4Note your wishes on pain relief and comfort care.
- 5If desired, name a health care agent and an alternate to speak for you.
- 6Add any personal, religious, or values based instructions you want doctors to consider.
- 7Sign and date the document with the witnesses or notary your state requires.
- 8Give copies to your doctor, your health care agent, and close family members.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a living will and a health care power of attorney?
A living will states your treatment wishes, while a health care power of attorney names a person to make decisions for you. Many people use both together, and this template lets you combine them.
When does a living will take effect?
It generally applies only when you cannot make or communicate your own decisions, as confirmed by your doctors. While you can speak for yourself, your own choices govern.
Can I change my mind later?
Yes. You can update or revoke a living will at any time while you are able to make decisions. Replace old copies so your care team has your current wishes.
Will this be accepted by my hospital?
This is a general template, not medical or legal advice, and many states use their own official forms with specific witnessing or notarization rules. Please confirm what your state and providers accept before relying on it.