[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"page-\u002Fcategories\u002Fpersonal-affairs\u002Fliving-will":3},{"type":4,"data":5},"product",{"product_name":6,"slug":7,"category_slug":8,"order_type":9,"product_version_slug":10,"preview":11,"is_previewable":12,"related_products":13,"related_articles":30,"breadcrumbs":63,"productName":6,"productDescription":-1,"productVersionSlug":10,"localeId":-1,"landerSlug":7,"categorySlug":8,"_cmsSource":69,"hero":70,"quickLinks":96,"page_body":97,"meta_information":234,"sidebar_ad":239,"disclaimer":73,"stateSlug":72},"Living Will","living-will","healthcare","Document","lw-8455","  &lt;center&gt;&lt;p class=&#39;title center&#39;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ALABAMA ADVANCE DIRECTIVE FOR HEALTH CARE&lt;\u002Fstrong&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;\u002Fcenter&gt;&lt;br \u002F&gt;&lt;br \u002F&gt;&lt;p&gt;This form is used to make your wishes known about what medical treatment or other care you would or would not want if you become too sick to speak for yourself. You are not required to have an advance directive. If you do have an advance directive, be sure that your doctor, family, and friends know you have one and know where it is located.  &lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;SECTION 1. LIVING WILL&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;  &lt;p&gt;I, &lt;span style=&#39;background: #BBBBBB;&#39;&gt;_____________&lt;\u002Fspan&gt; (hereinafter, the &quot;Principal,&quot; &quot;I,&quot; &quot;my,&quot; or &quot;me&quot;), being of sound mind and at least 19 years old, would like to make the following wishes known. I direct that my family, my doctors and healthcare workers, and all others follow the directions I am writing down. I know that at any time I can change my mind about these directions by tearing up this form and writing a new one. I can also do away with these directions by tearing them up and by telling someone at least 19 years of age of my wishes and asking him or her to write them down.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;I understand that these directions will only be used if I am not able to speak for myself.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;u&gt;If I Become Terminally Ill&lt;\u002Fu&gt;&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&quot;Terminally ill or injured&quot;&lt;\u002Fb&gt; is when my doctor and another doctor decide that I have a condition that cannot be cured and that I will likely die in the near future from this condition.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&quot;Life-sustaining treatment&quot;&lt;\u002Fb&gt; includes drugs, machines, or medical procedures that would keep me alive but would not cure me. I know that even if I choose not to have life-sustaining treatment, I will still get medicines and treatments that ease my pain and keep me comfortable.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;Initial one:&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;____ I want to have life-sustaining treatment if I am terminally ill or injured.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p class=&#39;indent-1&#39;&gt;If you selected this option, do you still want such treatment if the likely risks and burdens of treatment would outweigh the expected benefits? &lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p class=&#39;indent-1&#39;&gt;Yes ____ No ____&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;____ I do NOT want to have life-sustaining treatment if I am terminally ill or injured.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;____ I want to have my healthcare proxy decide this for me when the time comes.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&quot;Artificially-provided food and hydration&quot;&lt;\u002Fb&gt; is food and water through a tube or an IV. I understand that if I am terminally ill or injured I may need to be given food and water through a tube or an IV to keep me alive if I can no longer chew or swallow on my own or with someone helping me. &lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;Initial one:&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;____ I want to have food and water provided through a tube or an IV if I am terminally ill or injured.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;____ I want to have food and water provided through a tube or an IV if I am terminally ill or injured only as a limited trial to see if I can improve.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;____ I do NOT want to have food and water provided through a tube or an IV if I am terminally ill or injured.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;____ I want to have my healthcare agent decide this for me when the time comes.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;u&gt;If I Become Permanently Unconscious&lt;\u002Fu&gt;&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&quot;Permanently unconsciousness&quot;&lt;\u002Fb&gt; is when my doctor and another doctor agree that within a reasonable degree of medical certainty I can no longer think, feel anything, knowingly move, or be aware of being alive. They believe this condition will last indefinitely without hope for improvement and have watched me long enough to make that decision. I understand that at least one of these doctors must be qualified to make such a diagnosis.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&quot;Life-sustaining treatment&quot;&lt;\u002Fb&gt; includes drugs, machines, or other medical procedures that would keep me alive but would not cure me. I know that even if I choose not to have life-sustaining treatment, I will still get medicines and treatments that ease my pain and keep me comfortable.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;Initial one:&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;____ I want to have life-sustaining treatment if I am permanently unconscious.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p class=&#39;indent-1&#39;&gt;If you selected this option, do you still want such treatment if the likely risks and burdens of treatment would outweigh the expected benefits? &lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p class=&#39;indent-1&#39;&gt;Yes ____ No ____&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;____ I do NOT want to have life-sustaining treatment if I am permanently unconscious.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;____ I want to have my healthcare agent decide this for me when the time comes.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&quot;Artificially-provided food and hydration&quot;&lt;\u002Fb&gt; is food and water through a tube or an IV. I understand that if I become permanently unconscious, I may need to be given food and water through a tube or an IV to keep me alive if I can no longer chew or swallow on my own or with someone helping me. &lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;Initial one:&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;____ I want to have food and water provided through a tube or an IV if I am permanently unconscious.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;____ I want to have food and water provided through a tube or an IV if I am permanently unconscious only as a limited trial to see if I can improve.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;____ I do NOT want to have food and water provided through a tube or an IV if I am permanently unconscious.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;____ I want to have my healthcare agent decide this for me when the time comes.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;u&gt;Relief from Pain&lt;\u002Fu&gt;&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;Initial &quot;Yes&quot; or &quot;No&quot;:&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p&gt;I want treatment to alleviate pain or discomfort to me even if it hastens my death.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;p class=&#39;indent-1&#39;&gt;Yes ____ No ____&lt;\u002Fp&gt;                                  &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;SECTION 2. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;I understand the following: &lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;ul&gt;      &lt;li&gt;I understand the full importance of this Living Will and am mentally competent to make this Living Will. No participant in the making of this Living Will or in its being carried into effect shall be held responsible in any way for complying with my directions.&lt;\u002Fli&gt;      &lt;li&gt;If my doctor or hospital does not want to follow the directions I have listed, they must see that I get to a doctor or hospital who will follow my directions.&lt;\u002Fli&gt;      &lt;li&gt;If I am pregnant, or if I become pregnant, the choices I have made on this form will not be followed while such pregnancy has been determined to be viable by a healthcare professional and until after the birth of the baby.&lt;\u002Fli&gt;            &lt;li&gt;If the time comes for me to stop receiving life-sustaining treatment or food and water through a tube or an IV, I direct that my doctor talk about the good and bad points of doing this, along with my wishes, with my healthcare proxy, if I have one.&lt;\u002Fli&gt;    &lt;\u002Ful&gt;    &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;u&gt;Effect of a Copy&lt;\u002Fu&gt;&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;All copies of this document shall be given the same effect as an original. &lt;\u002Fp&gt;        &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;SECTION 3. PHYSICIAN AFFIDAVIT (OPTIONAL)&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;You have the option of consulting a physician before initialing any choice in this document. If you do consult a physician, it is recommended that you have them complete this affidavit and give them a copy to keep. &lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;I, Dr. ___________________________________, have reviewed this document with &lt;span style=&#39;background: #BBBBBB;&#39;&gt;_____________&lt;\u002Fspan&gt; and have discussed his or her questions regarding the possible medical consequences of the treatment choices provided herein. This discussion occurred on _______________ (date). &lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;I agreed to comply with the provisions of this directive. &lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;Physician&#39;s signature: ______________________________ Date: ________________ &lt;\u002Fp&gt;        &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;SECTION 4. EXECUTION&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;u&gt;MY SIGNATURE&lt;\u002Fu&gt;&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;            &lt;p&gt;I sign this directive voluntarily. I understand the choices I have made and declare that I am emotionally and mentally competent to make this directive.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;Your Name: &lt;span style=&#39;background: #BBBBBB;&#39;&gt;_____________&lt;\u002Fspan&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;Date of Birth: &lt;span style=&#39;background: #BBBBBB;&#39;&gt;_____________&lt;\u002Fspan&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;Signature: __________________________________ Date: ____________________ &lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;(If you are physically unable to sign, this directive may be signed by someone else writing your name in your presence and with your express permission.)&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;SECTION 5. WITNESSES&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;              &lt;p&gt;To properly have this document witnessed you MUST have two witnesses sign in accordance with the paragraph below. &lt;\u002Fp&gt;        &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;u&gt;Witnesses&lt;\u002Fu&gt;&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;I AM WITNESSING THIS FORM UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY AND SWEAR AS FOLLOWS: that the individual who signed or acknowledged this advance healthcare directive is personally known to me, or that the individual&#39;s identity was proven to me by convincing evidence; that the individual signed or acknowledged this advance directive in my presence; that I believe this person to be of sound mind and under no duress, fraud, or undue influence; that I did not sign the person&#39;s signature without consent, and I am not the healthcare proxy; that I am not the individual&#39;s healthcare provider, an employee of the individual&#39;s healthcare provider, the operator of a community healthcare facility, an employee of a community healthcare facility, the operator of a residential care facility for the elderly, nor an employee of an operator of a residential care facility for the elderly; that I am not related to the person by blood, adoption, or marriage and not entitled to any part of his or her estate; and that I am at least 19 years of age and am not directly responsible for paying for his or her medical care.           &lt;\u002Fp&gt;        &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;FIRST WITNESS&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;Name: _________________________________________&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;Address: ______________________________________&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;_____________________________________________&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;_____________________________________________&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;Sign: __________________________________  Date: ______________________ &lt;\u002Fp&gt;          &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;SECOND WITNESS&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;      &lt;p&gt;Name: _________________________________________&lt;\u002Fp&gt;      &lt;p&gt;Address: ______________________________________&lt;\u002Fp&gt;      &lt;p&gt;_____________________________________________&lt;\u002Fp&gt;      &lt;p&gt;_____________________________________________&lt;\u002Fp&gt;      &lt;p&gt;Sign: __________________________________  Date: ______________________ &lt;\u002Fp&gt;        &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Note:&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;i&gt; If the Principal is physically unable to sign&lt;\u002Fi&gt;, each witness must also sign the following statement: &lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;The Principal has directly indicated to me that this document expresses his or her wishes and that the Principal intends to adopt this document at this time. &lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;Witness Signature: _______________________________ Date: ______________________&lt;\u002Fp&gt;          &lt;p&gt;Witness Signature: _______________________________ Date: ______________________&lt;\u002Fp&gt;            &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;u&gt;Notary Public  (Optional)        &lt;\u002Fu&gt;&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;                    &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Note:&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;i&gt; If the Principal is physically unable to sign&lt;\u002Fi&gt;, the notary must also sign the following statement: &lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;The Principal has directly indicated to me that this Advance Directive expresses his or her wishes and that the Principal intends to adopt this Advance Directive at this time. &lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;Notary: ______________________________ Date:_____________&lt;\u002Fp&gt;        &lt;div class=&#39;-page-break&#39;&gt;&lt;\u002Fdiv&gt;    &lt;center&gt;&lt;p class=&#39;title center&#39;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Instructions for Your Living Will&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;(a.k.a. Advance Healthcare Directive)&lt;\u002Fstrong&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;&lt;\u002Fcenter&gt;&lt;br \u002F&gt;&lt;br \u002F&gt;    &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Completing Your Document&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;A living will allows its maker, called the &quot;Principal,&quot; to specify his or her healthcare preferences in the event he or she is incapacitated or unable to speak. This helps the Principal and his or her family to rest easy knowing that the Principal&#39;s wishes will be honored. Each living will also includes a durable power of attorney for health care section, which names a healthcare Agent (also called a Proxy) who can make decisions for the Principal in the event he or she lacks capacity. The Agent is required to follow the directions stated in the living will and to act in the Principal&#39;s best interest in situations in which the Principal&#39;s wishes are not specified. For this reason, it is important for the Principal to discuss his or her wishes with the Agent so that the Agent can act accordingly should the situation arise. It is a good idea for the Principal to name a trusted friend or family member as the Agent.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;It is important to note that the Principal will initial next to all of his or her main preferences concerning health care once the document is printed out. Therefore, most of the questions you will answer on LegalNature&#39;s online form builder will be related to optional matters used for customizing your document according to the Principal&#39;s preferences.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;&lt;u&gt;Special Directions (Optional)&lt;\u002Fu&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;After entering the Principal&#39;s basic information, you will have the option to specify what the Principal wants or does not want to occur when he or she becomes terminally ill, injured, or permanently unconscious. For instance, the Principal may specify any specific pain relief measures that are wanted or not wanted. Also, describe any chronic illness or serious disability that the Principal may have that he or she does not want to be misinterpreted as a terminal condition. Again, this section is optional, so if the Principal has no specific directions then you can skip to the next step.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;&lt;u&gt;Guardian Nomination (Optional)&lt;\u002Fu&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;On this step you have the option of nominating a Guardian to manage the Principal&#39;s personal affairs in the event he or she becomes incapacitated. This person will make decisions such as where the Principal lives or what the Principal eats. If the Principal doesn&#39;t nominate a Guardian, a court may appoint one when the time comes.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;br&gt;    &lt;p&gt;&lt;u&gt;Designation of Primary Physician (Optional)&lt;\u002Fu&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;Here you can designate the primary physician in charge of the Principal&#39;s health care. It is a good idea for the Principal to review the living will with the physician so that the physician understands the Principal&#39;s healthcare preferences and the Principal understands his or her choices.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;&lt;u&gt;Organ Donation and Autopsy (Optional)&lt;\u002Fu&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;Including this section will allow the Principal to specify whether or not he or she wants to be an organ donor and whether an autopsy will be performed upon death. If the Principal has not specified these preferences yet in a formal document, it is probably a good idea to do so here.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;&lt;u&gt;Mental Health (Optional)&lt;\u002Fu&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;On the following step you will have the option to include the Principal&#39;s wishes concerning mental health treatments, including whether or not the Principal consents to receiving psychotropic medications. These are medications such as antipsychotics or antidepressants. List any medications the Principal does or does not wish to receive and any other preferences concerning mental health treatments. Enter &quot;N\u002FA&quot; if you wish to skip any of these questions. &lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;&lt;u&gt;Funeral and Burial (Optional)&lt;\u002Fu&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;The funeral and burial section allows the Principal to indicate the manner in which his or her remains will be disposed of and the location of any funeral. You can customize this section any way you need to.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Witnessing Your Document&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;After completing your document, you will need to print it out and read the witnessing instructions included in it. Each state has slightly different requirements on how a living will must be witnessed and executed. Any witnesses, including any notary, will need to physically see the Principal sign the document. Be sure to read the document carefully and have all the required persons sign. Also, your document will tell you if you need to have your signature notarized. &lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Registering your Living Will &lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;Many states maintain a registry for the living wills of their citizens. Registering the living will can help the healthcare provider and family to be able to locate a copy of it in the event they cannot find the original. If you are interested in registering, check online to see if your state maintains one and follow the directions for filing.&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Changing Your Document&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;If the Principal decides that he or she wants to change or revoke the living will and\u002For durable power of attorney for health care, the Principal can do so at any time while he or she still has the mental capacity to do so. &lt;\u002Fp&gt;    &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;NOTE: THIS IS AN IMPORTANT LEGAL DOCUMENT AND MAY AFFECT YOUR HEALTHCARE IN THE EVENT YOU ARE UNABLE TO SPEAK FOR YOURSELF. CONSULT A LICENSED ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND IN THE DOCUMENT.&lt;\u002Fb&gt;&lt;\u002Fp&gt;  \n\n",true,[14,18,21,24,27],{"product_name":15,"category":16,"link":17},"HIPAA Authorization","Healthcare","\u002Fcategories\u002Fhealthcare\u002Fhipaa-authorization",{"product_name":19,"category":16,"link":20},"Healthcare Proxy","\u002Fcategories\u002Fhealthcare\u002Fhealthcare-proxy",{"product_name":22,"category":16,"link":23},"Advance Healthcare Directive","\u002Fcategories\u002Fhealthcare\u002Fadvance-healthcare-directive",{"product_name":25,"category":16,"link":26},"Medical Power of Attorney","\u002Fcategories\u002Fhealthcare\u002Fmedical-power-of-attorney",{"product_name":28,"category":16,"link":29},"Healthcare Power of Attorney","\u002Fcategories\u002Fhealthcare\u002Fhealthcare-power-of-attorney",[31,35,39,43,47,51,55,59],{"title":32,"description":33,"link":34},"Proper Estate Planning","The Importance of Proper Estate Planning Proper estate planning is one of the most important things a person can do to provide financial security for their family and loved ones. When thinking of estate planning, there are several vital...","\u002Fguides\u002Fproper-estate-planning",{"title":36,"description":37,"link":38},"Components of an Estate Plan and How to Determine What You Need","An estate plan is something that everyone should have in place. Whether you only need one estate planning document or all of them will depend on your specific situation. While you may already have one component, such as a will, it may not be...","\u002Fguides\u002Fcomponents-of-an-estate-plan-and-how-to-determine-what-you-need",{"title":40,"description":41,"link":42},"Estate Planning: When to Update Your Plan and Why","If you have an estate plan already in place, then you have started off on the right path. If you do not have one yet, it is time to get one drawn up so you can have a plan in place. However, once you have your estate plan made, it is not...","\u002Fguides\u002Festate-planning-when-to-update-your-plan-and-why",{"title":44,"description":45,"link":46},"4 Useful Tools for Estate Planning","The Value of Proper Estate Planning Many individuals do not consider proper estate planning as a viable option because they believe that their net worth is not high enough or they do not have sufficient property or assets to merit...","\u002Fguides\u002F4-useful-tools-for-estate-planning",{"title":48,"description":49,"link":50},"Why You Need a Living Will","A living will is a legal document that enables an individual to detail, in writing, exactly what their wishes are regarding life-prolonging medical treatments. A living will clarifies to attending medical professionals exactly what type of...","\u002Fguides\u002Fwhy-you-need-a-living-will",{"title":52,"description":53,"link":54},"7 Key Estate Planning Steps to Follow When You Have Kids","As a new or soon-to-be parent, you begin to realize that there is very little you would not do to protect your beloved children. Babyproofing your home and finding the perfect car seat are important steps, of course, but have you created a contingency plan to ensure your child continues to receive amazing care once you are no longer around? Do you k","\u002Fguides\u002F7-key-estate-planning-steps-to-follow-when-you-have-kids",{"title":56,"description":57,"link":58},"Your Estate Planning List to Get Ready for the New Year","With the New Year approaching, it is often the time when people make plans for the future. No matter what age you are, you should still have an estate plan. Something unexpected could happen to you at any time. Losing your life is rarely...","\u002Fguides\u002Fyour-estate-planning-list-to-get-ready-for-the-new-year",{"title":60,"description":61,"link":62},"7 Reasons to Think about Estate Planning When Starting a New Business","Starting a new business is actually a great opportunity to start getting your affairs in order. That is because the evaluation, planning, and implementation process that surrounds starting a business should be a natural call to action for planning your estate.","\u002Fguides\u002F7-reasons-to-think-about-estate-planning-when-starting-a-new-business",[64,67],{"label":65,"link":66},"All Documents","\u002Flegal-documents",{"label":16,"link":68},"\u002Fcategories\u002Fhealthcare","payload",{"landerVariant":71,"headline":6,"headlineAccent":72,"subtitle":73,"legacySubtitleHtml":74,"checkmarkText":72,"desktopImage":75,"mobileImage":86,"desktopImageUrl":73,"mobileImageUrl":73,"ctaType":95,"ctaText":72,"ctaLink":72},"design-test-v3",null,"","A living will allows you to clarify all medical wishes and instructions upfront in the event you become incapacitated so that no misunderstandings occur when it is too late.",{"id":76,"alt":72,"updatedAt":77,"createdAt":78,"url":79,"thumbnailURL":72,"filename":80,"mimeType":81,"filesize":82,"width":83,"height":84,"focalX":85,"focalY":85},233,"2026-07-30T20:32:54.579Z","2026-07-30T20:32:54.490Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002FLiving%20Will%20Preview%20D","Living Will Preview D","image\u002Fwebp",462478,1200,1448,50,{"id":87,"alt":72,"updatedAt":88,"createdAt":89,"url":90,"thumbnailURL":72,"filename":91,"mimeType":81,"filesize":92,"width":93,"height":94,"focalX":85,"focalY":85},278,"2026-08-06T15:49:35.062Z","2026-08-06T15:49:34.989Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002FLiving%20Will%20Preview%20M","Living Will Preview M",100690,1134,690,"standard",[],[98,105,139,145,149,167,173,190,194,200,227],{"id":99,"content":72,"legacyHtml":100,"variant":101,"anchorId":72,"alignment":102,"ctaText":72,"ctaLink":72,"padding":72,"blockName":72,"blockType":103,"visibility":104},"6a15a211f13133005943e6fb","\u003Ch3>What is a living will?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>A living will is a legal document that specifies an individual's preferences for medical care if they are unable to communicate their wishes due to incapacitation. It is a type of advance directive that ensures healthcare providers and loved ones understand and respect the person's treatment choices in critical situations. Unlike a medical or healthcare power of attorney, this document does not grant an agent any legal authority to act on behalf of the principal; however, our living will form includes a medical power of attorney so that you may designate a health care proxy to carry out your wishes.\u003C\u002Fp>","default","left","rich-content",{"hideOnMobile":72,"hideOnDesktop":72},{"id":106,"heading":107,"layout":108,"columns":109,"itemStyle":110,"blockName":72,"items":111,"blockType":137,"visibility":138},"6a15a211f13133005943e6fe","Choose the appropriate estate planning document for you","grid","3","card-with-image",[112,124],{"id":113,"title":114,"description":72,"legacyHtml":115,"image":116,"imageUrl":73,"url":123},"6a15a211f13133005943e6fc","Last Will and Testament","This legal document allows individuals to specify how their assets will be distributed and provide directions to loved ones upon their death.",{"id":117,"alt":72,"updatedAt":118,"createdAt":119,"url":120,"thumbnailURL":72,"filename":121,"mimeType":81,"filesize":122,"width":83,"height":84,"focalX":85,"focalY":85},235,"2026-07-30T20:33:37.259Z","2026-07-30T20:33:37.211Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002FLWT%20Preview%20D","LWT Preview D",483858,"\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Flast-will-and-testament",{"id":125,"title":126,"description":72,"legacyHtml":127,"image":128,"imageUrl":73,"url":136},"6a15a211f13133005943e6fd","Power of Attorney","Using a power of attorney enables you to give someone permission to act on your behalf and manage medical, financial, real estate, business, or personal affairs. ",{"id":129,"alt":72,"updatedAt":130,"createdAt":131,"url":132,"thumbnailURL":72,"filename":133,"mimeType":81,"filesize":134,"width":83,"height":135,"focalX":85,"focalY":85},279,"2026-08-06T15:50:20.445Z","2026-08-06T15:50:20.359Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002FPOA%20Preview%20D","POA Preview D",457572,1447,"\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Fpower-of-attorney","list",{"hideOnMobile":72,"hideOnDesktop":72},{"id":140,"heading":141,"showStates":12,"hideOnStateOverride":142,"blockName":72,"blockType":143,"visibility":144},"6a15a211f13133005943e6ff","Create a living will in your state",false,"state-selector",{"hideOnMobile":72,"hideOnDesktop":72},{"id":146,"content":72,"legacyHtml":147,"variant":101,"anchorId":72,"alignment":102,"ctaText":72,"ctaLink":72,"padding":72,"blockName":72,"blockType":103,"visibility":148},"6a15a211f13133005943e700","\u003Ch3>When to use a living will\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>A living will should be used when an individual becomes incapacitated and is no longer able to communicate their medical preferences due to specific health conditions or circumstances. It serves as a guide for healthcare providers and loved ones to ensure the person's wishes regarding medical procedures and treatments are followed. A living will only takes effect under specific conditions outlined in the document. Typically, one or more physicians must confirm that the individual's medical condition meets these specific requirements, such as terminal illness, permanent unconsciousness, or severe incapacitation.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"hideOnMobile":72,"hideOnDesktop":72},{"id":150,"heading":151,"blockName":72,"items":152,"blockType":165,"visibility":166},"6a15a211f13133005943e704","How to create your living will",[153,157,161],{"id":154,"title":155,"description":72,"legacyHtml":156},"6a15a211f13133005943e701","Gather Information","As you complete your living will, you will need to provide certain relevant information. This includes both the principal’s name and date of birth. You will also need some basic contact information for your healthcare agent or proxy, such as their name, phone number, and address.",{"id":158,"title":159,"description":72,"legacyHtml":160},"6a15a211f13133005943e702","Answer Key Questions","Use the information you collected to complete your living will. We make this easy by guiding you each step of the way and helping you to customize your document to match your specific needs. As you answer certain questions, the document will adjust to accommodate your needs.",{"id":162,"title":163,"description":72,"legacyHtml":164},"6a15a211f13133005943e703","Review","Always read your document thoroughly to ensure it contains everything you need and is free of errors. In any case, once you finish creating your document, you will be able to alter it as much as you like in Microsoft Word. However, if you do not need to make any changes, you can simply download the PDF version and have the parties sign the document.","steps",{"hideOnMobile":72,"hideOnDesktop":72},{"id":168,"content":72,"legacyHtml":169,"variant":170,"anchorId":72,"alignment":102,"ctaText":171,"ctaLink":72,"padding":72,"blockName":72,"blockType":103,"visibility":172},"6a15a211f13133005943e705","\u003Ch3>Why create a living will?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Creating a living will is essential for ensuring your healthcare preferences are respected if you become unable to communicate due to illness or incapacitation. Here are the key reasons why you should consider creating one:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cspan style=\"color: #e67e23;\">Control Over Medical Decisions\u003C\u002Fspan>:&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fstrong>A living will allows you to specify which medical treatments you want or do not want, such as life-sustaining measures like ventilators, feeding tubes, or resuscitation efforts.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cspan style=\"color: #e67e23;\">Peace of Mind\u003C\u002Fspan>:&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fstrong>Knowing that your wishes will be honored provides comfort for both you and your loved ones. It eliminates uncertainty about your care and reduces anxiety about potential medical crises.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cspan style=\"color: #e67e23;\">Relief for Family Members\u003C\u002Fspan>:&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fstrong>A living will removes the burden of decision-making from family members during emotionally charged situations. It prevents disagreements and ensures they are not forced to make agonizing choices without guidance.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cspan style=\"color: #e67e23;\">Prevention of Unwanted Treatments\u003C\u002Fspan>:\u003C\u002Fstrong> You can refuse specific interventions that conflict with your personal or religious beliefs, or that you consider invasive or unnecessary.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cspan style=\"color: #e67e23;\">Financial Planning\u003C\u002Fspan>:&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fstrong>A living will can help manage healthcare costs by avoiding unwanted treatments and allowing you to designate resources for medical expenses ahead of time.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creating a living will ensures clarity in uncertain situations, reduces emotional stress on loved ones, and upholds your dignity by respecting your wishes.\u003C\u002Fp>","highlight","Create Your Living Will Today",{"hideOnMobile":72,"hideOnDesktop":72},{"id":174,"heading":175,"description":72,"legacyHtml":176,"image":177,"imageUrl":186,"layout":187,"blockName":72,"blockType":188,"visibility":189},"6a15a211f13133005943e706","Why choose LegalNature?","LegalNature's dedicated team offers step-by-step guidance to navigate the nuances of estate planning across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. LegalNature offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not happy, then we’re not happy. Give us a call and let us help.",{"id":178,"alt":72,"updatedAt":179,"createdAt":180,"url":181,"thumbnailURL":72,"filename":182,"mimeType":81,"filesize":183,"width":184,"height":185,"focalX":85,"focalY":85},218,"2026-07-29T18:21:40.238Z","2026-07-29T18:21:40.153Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002FWhy%20Choose","Why Choose",204042,786,958,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.buttercms.com\u002F0psHhkORYKU5bpz09RWA","image-right","media-content",{"hideOnMobile":72,"hideOnDesktop":72},{"id":191,"content":72,"legacyHtml":192,"variant":101,"anchorId":72,"alignment":102,"ctaText":72,"ctaLink":72,"padding":72,"blockName":72,"blockType":103,"visibility":193},"6a15a211f13133005943e707","\u003Ch2>Living will guide\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A living will allows its maker, called the \"Principal,\" to specify his or her healthcare preferences in the event he or she is incapacitated or unable to speak. This helps the Principal and his or her family to rest easy knowing that the Principal's wishes will be honored.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our living will gives you the option of adding a durable power of attorney for healthcare, which names a healthcare agent (also called a healthcare proxy) who can make decisions for the Principal in the event he or she lacks capacity. The Agent is required to follow the directions stated in the living will and to act in the Principal's best interest in situations in which the Principal's wishes are not specified. For this reason, it is important for the Principal to discuss his or her wishes with the Agent so that the Agent can act accordingly should the situation arise. It is a good idea for the Principal to name a trusted friend or family member as the Agent.&nbsp;\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>It is important to note that the Principal will initial next to all of his or her main preferences concerning health care once the document is printed out. Therefore, most of the questions you will answer on LegalNature's online form builder will be related to optional matters used for customizing your document according to the Principal's preferences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Special Directions\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>After entering the Principal's basic information, you will have the option to specify what the Principal wants or does not want to occur when he or she becomes terminally ill, injured, or permanently unconscious. For instance, the Principal may specify any specific pain relief measures or end of life care that are wanted or not wanted. Also, describe any chronic illness or serious disability that the Principal may have that he or she does not want to be misinterpreted as a terminal condition. Again, this section is optional, so if the Principal has no specific directions then you can skip to the next step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Guardian Nomination\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>On this step you have the option of nominating a guardian to manage the Principal's personal affairs in the event that he or she becomes incapacitated. This person will make decisions such as where the Principal lives or what the Principal eats. If the Principal does not nominate a guardian, a court may appoint a guardian or patient advocate when the time comes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Designation of Primary Physician\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>Here you can designate the primary physician in charge of the Principal's health care. It is a good idea for the Principal to review the living will with the physician so that the physician understands the Principal's healthcare preferences and the Principal understands his or her choices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Organ Donation and Autopsy\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>Including this section will allow the Principal to specify whether or not he or she wants to be an organ donor and whether an autopsy will be performed upon death. If the Principal has not specified these preferences yet in a formal document, it is probably a good idea to do so here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Mental Health\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>On the following step you will have the option to include the Principal's wishes concerning mental health treatments, including whether or not the Principal consents to receiving psychotropic medications. These are medications such as antipsychotics or antidepressants. List any medications the Principal does or does not wish to receive and any other preferences concerning mental health treatments.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Funeral and Burial\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>The funeral and burial section allows the Principal to indicate the manner in which his or her remains will be disposed of and the location of any funeral. You can customize this section in any way you need to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Witnessing Your Document\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>After completing your document, you will need to print it out and read the witnessing instructions included in it. Each state has slightly different requirements on how a living will must be witnessed and executed. If executing the living will in person, any witnesses, including any notary, will need to physically see the Principal sign the document. Many states now offer remote online notary (RON) services which eliminates the need for physical presence. Be sure to read the document carefully and have all the required persons sign. Also, your document will tell you if you need to have your signature notarized. If it says that a notary is optional, then you do not have to use a notary, but using one will help prove the document is valid if it is ever contested in court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Registering Your Living Will\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>Many states maintain a registry for the living wills of their citizens. Registering the living will can help the healthcare provider and family to be able to locate a copy of it in the event they cannot find the original. If you are interested in registering, check online to see if your state maintains one and follow the directions for filing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Changing Your Document\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>If the Principal decides that he or she wants to change or revoke the living will and\u002For durable power of attorney for health care, the Principal can do so at any time while he or she still has the mental capacity to do so. \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\u003Cstrong>NOTE: THIS IS AN \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.legalnature.com\u002Fguides\u002F10-facts-everyone-should-know-about-living-wills\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3598db;\">IMPORTANT LEGAL\u003C\u002Fspan> \u003Cspan style=\"color: #3598db;\">DOCUMENT\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cstrong> AND MAY AFFECT YOUR HEALTH CARE IN THE EVENT YOU ARE UNABLE TO SPEAK FOR YOURSELF. CONSULT A LICENSED ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND IN THE DOCUMENT.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>",{"hideOnMobile":72,"hideOnDesktop":72},{"id":195,"style":196,"size":197,"blockName":72,"blockType":198,"visibility":199},"6a15a211f13133005943e708","line","md","separator",{"hideOnMobile":142,"hideOnDesktop":142},{"id":201,"heading":202,"background":203,"blockName":72,"items":204,"blockType":225,"visibility":226},"6a15a211f13133005943e70e","Frequently Asked Questions","light-blue",[205,209,213,217,221],{"id":206,"question":207,"answer":72,"legacyHtml":208},"6a15a211f13133005943e709","What is a living will? ","\u003Cp>A living will allows its maker, called the \"Principal,\" to specify his or her healthcare preferences in the event he or she is incapacitated or unable to speak. Our living will gives you the option of adding a durable power of attorney for healthcare, which names a healthcare agent (also called a proxy) who can make decisions for the Principal in the event he or she lacks capacity. The Agent is required to follow the directions stated in the living will and to act in the Principal's best interest in situations in which the Principal's wishes are not specified.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"id":210,"question":211,"answer":72,"legacyHtml":212},"6a15a211f13133005943e70a","Do I need to be a certain age to create a living will?","\u003Cp>In general, if you are at least 18 years of age and of sound mind, you meet the minimum requirements to create a living will. Although some states offer a more detailed definition than others, the term \"sound mind\" most often means that the person understands what the document is, what it contains, and the consequences of signing it.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>",{"id":214,"question":215,"answer":72,"legacyHtml":216},"6a15a211f13133005943e70b","Why should I create a living will? ","\u003Cp>The main objective of a living will is to allow its maker, called the \"Principal,\" to specify his or her healthcare preferences in the event he or she is incapacitated or unable to speak. This represents a substantial benefit since it helps the Principal and his or her family to rest easy knowing that the Principal's healthcare decisions and wishes will be honored.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>",{"id":218,"question":219,"answer":72,"legacyHtml":220},"6a15a211f13133005943e70c","Do I need to register my living will? ","\u003Cp>Many states maintain a registry for the living wills of their citizens. Registering the living will can help the healthcare provider and family to be able to locate a copy of it in the event they cannot find the original. If you are interested in registering, check online to see if your state maintains one and follow the directions for filing.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"id":222,"question":223,"answer":72,"legacyHtml":224},"6a15a211f13133005943e70d","Can a living will be changed or revoked? ","\u003Cp>Yes. If the Principal decides that he or she wants to change or revoke the living will and\u002For durable power of attorney for health care, the Principal can do so at any time while he or she still has the mental capacity to do so.\u003C\u002Fp>","faqs",{"hideOnMobile":142,"hideOnDesktop":142},{"id":228,"headline":229,"text":230,"image":231,"ctaText":72,"blockName":72,"blockType":232,"visibility":233},"6a74ad4cf083533cba383d20","Start Your Living Will","Complete your living will in minutes with LegalNature's intuitive, step-by-step guidance.",{"id":76,"alt":72,"updatedAt":77,"createdAt":78,"url":79,"thumbnailURL":72,"filename":80,"mimeType":81,"filesize":82,"width":83,"height":84,"focalX":85,"focalY":85},"get-started",{"hideOnMobile":72,"hideOnDesktop":72},{"title":235,"description":236,"keyword":237,"og_image":238},"Living Will | Create & Print | LegalNature","Document your end-of-life medical wishes with a living will. LegalNature's state-specific forms ensure your decisions are respected.","Living Will, advance directive","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002FSS7NSxx7QVTdIQYbr3gB.jpg",{"headline":240,"image":241,"imageUrl":73,"steps":242},"Create your living will in minutes",{"id":87,"alt":72,"updatedAt":88,"createdAt":89,"url":90,"thumbnailURL":72,"filename":91,"mimeType":81,"filesize":92,"width":93,"height":94,"focalX":85,"focalY":85},[243,246,249],{"id":244,"text":245},"6a15a211f13133005943e70f","Complete our form",{"id":247,"text":248},"6a15a211f13133005943e710","Preview and download your document",{"id":250,"text":251},"6a15a211f13133005943e711","Review and sign your document"]