What is a living will?

A living will is a document created by an individual that outlines the medical care that the individual wants and does not want, in the event that he or she becomes unable to make such decisions for themselves. It is also known as an advance directive or health care directive. This document is usually executed when a person is in good mental health, so that their wishes are known if they become incapacitated or terminally ill. Living wills are recognized by law in Washington and are an important part of probate law, which governs the distribution of a person’s estate after they die. Living wills provide guidance to the court and executor of an estate on how the person wanted their healthcare decisions to be handled. For example, a living will may indicate whether a person wanted to be taken off a ventilator or to receive a certain type and level of care. Living wills are not binding on any physician or hospital, but they are taken into consideration when a healthcare decision needs to be made. In some cases, it may be necessary to obtain a court order to carry out the terms of a living will. Living wills are an important part of estate planning and advance directives can be essential when planning for medical care or end-of-life decisions.

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