Advance decision / Living Will

Do you need to make a Living Will / Advance Decision?

An Advance Decision, also known as a Living Will, is a document in which you can set out your wishes regarding medical treatment in the event where you suffer a serious illness and become incapacitated.

It is designed to allow you to say which medical treatments you wish to refuse and under which circumstances and enables you to refuse life sustaining treatments such as being ventilated.

You will need to ensure that people know that you have made a living will because there is no central register.  You therefore need to file it with your GP and also, if appropriate, with your hospital.  You may also choose to let family or friends know of its existence.

Once the Advance Decision document is set up, health professionals are legally obliged to ensure your wishes are carried out.

We can help you with all aspects of an Advance Decision document.  We can explain how this document works and also how it sits alongside other legal options such as a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney.

If you have any questions, we will be happy to advise you so please get in touch.