What is a living will?

A living will is a document that states your preferences regarding medical care if you become incapacitated and cannot make decisions for yourself. It is an important part of Elder Law in Washington. A living will allows you to provide directions about your medical care, such as whether you want to receive life-sustaining treatments or if you would like to be an organ donor. It also allows you to communicate your desires to medical professionals so they can act on your behalf. A person must be mentally competent to create a living will, as it is not legally binding if it is drawn up when a person is mentally incapacitated. Additionally, the document must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are not mentioned in the document. These witnesses cannot be related to the person creating the will, nor a doctor or healthcare provider. The living will is an important way to ensure that your wishes are followed in the event of your incapacity. It is important to understand the laws and regulations relating to living wills in Washington State, as they can vary from state to state. It is also important to keep your living will updated as your preferences and circumstances change over time.

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What is a living will?

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