What is a living will?

A living will is a legal document that states a person’s wishes regarding healthcare decisions in the event that they are unable to express their wishes due to illness or injury. Living wills are important documents for District of Columbia residents, as the law requires that healthcare decisions be made in accordance with the wishes of the patient if they are unable to express their own decisions. In a living will, a person can state their wishes about what types of healthcare they would want if they were to become seriously ill, such as whether or not they would want life support or extraordinary medical treatments. The living will must be signed by the individual expressing their wishes, and can be amended or revoked at any time. It is important to have the living will witnessed and notarized if possible, to ensure the legal validity of the document. Living wills are an important aspect of the District of Columbia’s probate law, as they provide protection to people who may not be able to make decisions for themselves in the case of serious illness or injury. By creating a living will, individuals can ensure that their wishes will be followed in the event of incapacitation.

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