Free Living Will Form

Free template

4.9 (68 reviews)

All states

Updated Apr 1, 2025

~ 4 pages

PDF

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A Living Will is a healthcare directive between an individual and medical providers that expresses treatment preferences in case of incapacity. It is used to guide doctors and family members on end-of-life decisions and respect the patient’s wishes.

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Written by Megan Thompson, LLB - Reviewed by Jonathan McGill, JD

Template Description

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Paper titled "Living Will", woman and man shaking hands by the desk

A living will carries significant importance for people. This legal paper represents careful planning and consideration — it reflects an individual's healthcare choices in situations where they cannot articulate them personally. A living will form — PDF represents a person's independence and helps maintain their ability to make important health care choices.

When Is a Living Will Used?

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A living will template is used in situations where a person is incapacitated and cannot voice their medical treatment preferences. Some common circumstances include:

Severe brain injury — If a person is in a coma or vegetative state with no reasonable chance of recovery, a living will forms to print guides the medical team and family on treatment preferences.
Terminal illness — Someone diagnosed with a disease in its final stages may want to avoid unnecessary interventions that prolong suffering.
Advanced dementia — If a person can no longer make informed decisions due to cognitive decline, their living will template can ensure their wishes are honored.
Major surgical complications — In cases where unplanned medical complications render a patient unable to communicate, a printable living will form may direct healthcare providers on the next steps.

How To Fill Out a Living Will: Step-by-Step

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Follow these steps to complete a printable living will and ensure your wishes are clearly documented.

Step 1: Provide your personal information

Begin by filling out the basic details that identify you as the Principal of the living will forms.

Enter your full name where indicated.
Write your full current address to confirm your identity.
Provide your date of birth for official documentation.
List your Social Security number.
Specify the execution date, which is the date you sign the living will form PDF.

Example:

Principal's Name: Sarah Johnson
Address: 452 Maple Avenue, Denver, CO
Date of Birth: June 10, 1978
Social Security Number: XXX-XX-6789
Date of Execution: April 5, 2024

Step 2: Declare your healthcare directive

This section of living wills allows you to express your wishes regarding future medical care should you become unable to communicate.

Part of the free living will form to print

Restate your name and address to ensure clarity.
Authorize your doctors to follow the instructions listed in your living will template.
Decide on specific treatments you would like or refuse, such as artificial respiration, hydration, or feeding tubes.

Example:

I, Sarah Johnson, an individual having my usual place of living at 452 Maple Avenue, Denver, CO, and a Social Security number XXX-XX-6789 (the "Principal"), desire to advise my doctors and/or medical personnel of my wishes for my healthcare in the event I no longer have decisional capacity.

Step 3: Specify your end-of-life wishes

This section of the living will form allows you to indicate whether you want life-sustaining treatments or comfort care.

State your preferences about resuscitation, ventilation, and artificial life support.
Be specific if you wish to receive only palliative care.

Example:

When I am near death, I wish to receive only palliative care and forego life-prolonging treatments.

Step 4: Indicate the governing law

Each state has its own legal requirements regarding living will forms printable. Choosing the state law that applies ensures your document will be recognized.