What is a living will?

A living will is a legal document that outlines a person’s wishes regarding health care should they become too ill or injured to make decisions for themselves. The document typically includes instructions for medical professionals to follow if the patient is permanently unconscious, terminally ill, or in the end stages of a progressive illness. In California, a living will is also referred to as an advance health care directive. It outlines the medical treatments and life-support decisions that the signer wishes to receive or not receive, as well as if they would like to be an organ donor. The document is created while the signer is still healthy and competent to make decisions on their own behalf. A living will allows a person to express their preferences regarding end-of-life decisions and make the difficult decisions of when to use or forgo life-sustaining treatments in the event of a catastrophic illness or accident. It also ensures that the person’s wishes are followed and allows their loved ones to focus on providing comfort and support, free from the emotional burden of making these difficult decisions. In California, a living will must be signed by two witnesses and, in some cases, a notary public. It is important to keep a copy for yourself and provide copies to your loved ones, as well as provide a copy to your doctor.

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