When to Update Your Living Will

Be sure to review your Living Will periodically. Living Wills are easily modified to reflect changes in your health, finances, or perspective on end-of-life care. Even if your wishes don’t change, a Living Will should be regularly updated to take into account changes in medical technology. Consider updating your Living Willwhen you need to:

• Change or set limits on medical care to meet your ability to pay
• Respond to changes in medical technology
• Respond to a change in health care laws
• Respond to a changes in your health, including: decline, terminal diagnosis, possibility of surgery and hospitalization, or pregnancy
• Designate a different person to make health care decisions for you
• Move to a new state
• Respond to changes in your beliefs and wishes concerning end-of-life care
• Respond to the death of a loved one or significant other

Remember that new documents will generally supersede old ones — in other words, executing a new Living Will has the effect of revoking a prior Living Will.

Update 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.