A Living Will is a set of written instructions documenting your wishes regarding medical care for use when you are unable to communicate or make decisions. It protects your rights to accept or refuse treatment and removes the emotional burden from your family, friends, and physicians.

Commonly Called Names

Depending on your state, a Living Will may also be referred to as a Healthcare Directive, Advance Directive, or Directive to Physicians. In 2026, many jurisdictions combine this document with a Healthcare Power of Attorney into a single "Advance Healthcare Directive."

Critical Care Scenarios to Address

• Life-Sustaining Equipment: Instructions regarding the use of ventilators and respirators.
• Resuscitation (DNR): Specific directions about the use of CPR if your heart stops or you stop breathing.
• Artificial Nutrition: Decisions on the use of tube feeding and IV hydration.
• Comfort Care: Ensuring that pain-relief medication and palliative care are provided even if life-extending measures are refused.

Execution and Storage

To be legally binding, your Living Will must be signed in the presence of two or more disinterested witnesses—individuals who are not your healthcare providers and who do not stand to inherit from your estate. Once executed, you should:

[ ] Provide Copies: Give a copy to your primary care physician, attorney, and next of kin.

[ ] Digital Access: Consider uploading a copy to a state registry or your smartphone's emergency medical ID.

[ ] Discuss Your Choices: Ensure your loved ones understand the "why" behind your decisions to prevent conflict during a crisis.

When It Becomes Effective

A Living Will is only used if you are diagnosed as being close to death from a terminal condition or are permanently comatose, and you are unable to communicate your wishes through speech, writing, or gestures.