Living Will Defined --and Morefaq: What is a Living Will Living Will Defined:
A Living Will is a type of advance directive. It is a document, in which you set forth your wishes regarding your decisions about such things as whether you wish to be placed on life support, or whether you wish to be artificially hydrated.
It is a very narrowly drafted document. It only “speaks” (becomes operative) when it has been executed in accordance with the laws of your state, while you were competent. It becomes operative after execution when any of the situations it addresses are occurring and you are unable to personally convey your wishes to those around you, (usually and most importantly), to a medical provider. Even if have executed this document in accordance with the laws of your state, but you are still able to convey your wishes about medical care you want or do not want to have, it does not “speak”. It only speaks when you cannot. It is a statement of what your wishes would be, if you were then able to convey your wishes regarding your decisions to be kept alive artificially.
And More...
What if, after I execute a living will, I change my mind?If you change your mind after you execute a living will, rip up your living will.
That is the problem with Living Will Registries--it may make it more difficult, or problematic to retrieve the document, if you should, for whatever reason, change your mind.
What if, I execute my living will while I am competent, but thereafter after I become incompetent, I change my mind?Same answer as above.To return to the main page on living wills, please click,
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