A Living Will

Since this Terri Schiavo case is brining the idea of a Living Will to the nation again, I thought I'd post, as a service to my readers, a copy of a living will form. Use this form as a starting place to write your Living Will.

Please follow these instructions. Also, since this is only a starting point on a Living Will, please have this form checked for legality with a lawyer in your state or country in which you live.

Download the Living Will

Print your name on the first blank line. "I, MY NAME, want everyone who cares for me to know what health care I want when I cannot let others know what I want."

Think about the statement, "A quality of life that is unacceptable to me means" and check each item from the list below that applies.

This means that if you are in the condition described, you would want your family and doctors to stop or withdraw treatment. You would not want to continue to live in that condition.

You may add any words you want on the blank lines to further describe the conditions when you would not want to continue to receive treatment.

Think about the statement, "There are some procedures that I do not want under any circumstances."

If you have decided that you would never want a treatment listed, check that box. If you have not decided yet, or if you would want your doctor to try these treatments, leave the box blank.

Think about the statement, "When I am near death, it is important to me that." When writing a living will, you can write anything you like on these lines. Some people say, "I want hospice care.", "I want to die at home.", or "I want my family near me." You may leave these lines blank if you wish.

You must sign this form on the reverse side and you must have your signature witnessed.

The witness cannot be related to you by blood, marriage or adoption, cannot be a beneficiary to your estate, and cannot be directly involved in your healthcare.

It may or may not be necessary to have this form notarized, but there is a space for a notary if you desire.

6. After writing a living will, give a copy of it to your Health Care (Medical) Power of Attorney, to your family and close friends, and to your doctor. Keep a copy to take to the hospital or clinic if you become ill and need treatment

Posted by psugrad98 at March 25, 2005 09:34 AM