Signing and Distributing Your Living Will

You do not need to have a lawyer to make a Living Will. However, you must sign your Living Will in the presence of a witness or notary who must also sign the document. The witness must be at least 18, cannot be family (related by blood, adoption or marriage,) cannot be listed in your Last Will and Testament as a recipient of your assets, cannot be appointed as your health care agent, and cannot be a health care provider.

After your Living Will is signed and witnessed or notarized, give one copy each to your primary agent, your secondary agent, your doctor, and your local hospital. Keep the original document somewhere safe where you can easily access it. Make sure that someone close to you knows where it is and can access it in case you are hospitalized and unable to do so.

Make sure you talk with your agent about the instructions and wishes written in the Living Will before a medical crisis occurs. Talk with your doctor as well to be sure he or she understands and will respect your wishes. Many individuals ask a doctor to write out an order to carry out the terms of your Living Will in case there are issues with other health care providers.

Create your Living Will with Rocket Lawyer. If you have questions, contact an estate planning attorney.

Laws on this topic may vary from state to state. This content is not meant to provide you with complete information and it is not intended to be legal or tax advice. It is recommended that you consult with your own attorney, accountant or other advisor regarding your specific situation.