Download a free living will template in PDF and Word format below. Also called an advance directive, this critical estate planning document lets you specify your medical wishes if you become unable to communicate. Customizable for all 50 states. Updated for 2026 with current healthcare directives.
What is a Living Will?
A living will (also called an advance healthcare directive, advance directive, or healthcare declaration) is a legal document that specifies your medical treatment preferences if you become unable to communicate. It guides doctors, family members, and healthcare proxies in making decisions consistent with your wishes.
What follows is a free living will template, plus a guide to filling it out correctly. If you read past the download buttons, you will pick up the patterns that make these documents enforceable and the patterns that get them thrown out. The combination matters more than the template itself.
Why You Need a Living Will
- Control medical decisions when you can’t communicate
- Reduce family burden — they don’t have to guess your wishes
- Prevent family disputes about your care
- Avoid unwanted interventions — life support, feeding tubes, resuscitation
- Ensure desired interventions — palliative care, organ donation
- Reduce healthcare costs for unwanted treatments
- Maintain dignity in serious illness or end of life
- Required for some hospitals on admission
Key Components of a Living Will
- Your information — full name, address, date of birth
- Statement of intent — declaring this as your living will
- When directive takes effect — typically when terminally ill or permanently unconscious
- Life-sustaining treatment preferences — what you want or don’t want
- Resuscitation (CPR/DNR)
- Ventilator/breathing assistance
- Artificial nutrition and hydration — feeding tubes
- Dialysis — kidney treatment
- Surgery — major procedures
- Antibiotics — for infections
- Pain management — palliative/comfort care
- Organ donation — preferences
- Anatomical gifts — body donation for research
- Pregnancy provisions — special instructions if pregnant
- Religious considerations
- Healthcare proxy designation — who decides if you can’t (separate document or included)
- Signatures and witnesses
- Notarization
How to Fill Out a Living Will Step-by-Step
- Reflect on your values — quality of life vs. quantity of life.
- Discuss with family and doctor — understanding of medical scenarios.
- Download the template for your state.
- Identify yourself — full legal name, address, date of birth.
- Specify when directive applies — typically terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness.
- Address each treatment type — accept, refuse, or doctor’s discretion.
- Make decisions about: CPR, ventilator, feeding tube, dialysis, surgery, antibiotics, pain management.
- State organ donation wishes.
- Add religious or personal considerations.
- Designate healthcare proxy — person to make decisions not covered.
- Sign with witnesses — typically 2 adults who aren’t your healthcare providers or family.
- Notarize — required in some states.
- Distribute copies — to doctor, family, healthcare proxy, hospital.
- Carry wallet card indicating you have a living will.
- Review periodically — update with major life changes.
Key Medical Decisions to Consider
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Do you want CPR if your heart stops? In hospitals, default is yes unless DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order is in place.
Mechanical Ventilation
Do you want a breathing machine? Temporary may be acceptable; long-term often refused.
Artificial Nutrition and Hydration
Do you want feeding tubes if you can’t eat? Significant religious and ethical considerations for many people.
Comfort Care
Palliative/hospice care focused on pain management. Most people want comfort care regardless of other decisions.
Hospitalization
Do you prefer to die at home or in hospital? Affects where care is provided.
State Requirements for Living Wills
- Most states require 2 witnesses
- Some states require notarization
- Witnesses cannot be healthcare providers, beneficiaries, or family in most states
- Different forms — many states have specific statutory forms
- Out-of-state recognition — most states honor other states’ living wills
- Five Wishes — popular form valid in 42 states
Common Living Will Mistakes
- Not having one — family must guess your wishes
- Vague language — «no extraordinary measures» is too ambiguous
- Not discussing with family — surprises and disputes when needed
- Outdated wishes — preferences change with age and health
- Inaccessible documents — hospitals can’t find when needed
- Not naming healthcare proxy — for situations not covered
- Inconsistency with other documents — POA contradicts living will
- Religious considerations not addressed
Download Your Free Living Will Template
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a living will and a last will?
Living will: addresses medical decisions while you’re alive but incapacitated. Last will: distributes property after death. You need both for complete estate planning.
Is a living will legally binding?
Yes, when properly executed per state requirements. Healthcare providers and family members are legally required to follow your wishes as documented.
Can I change my living will?
Yes, anytime while you’re competent. Create a new one (revoking the prior) or formally revoke. Notify family, doctor, healthcare proxy.
Do I need a healthcare proxy if I have a living will?
Yes. Living wills can’t cover every possible situation. A healthcare proxy (or healthcare POA) makes decisions for situations not addressed in your living will.
Who should I name as my healthcare proxy?
Someone who knows you well, will follow your wishes (even if they disagree), can make difficult decisions under stress, and is accessible. Often spouse, adult child, sibling, or close friend.
Does my living will apply in other states?
Most states honor out-of-state living wills, but some require local documents. If you split time between states, consider having one for each.
Can my family override my living will?
Legally no, but in practice, family disputes can lead to delays or court intervention. Clear, current documents and family discussions reduce this risk.
What if I’m pregnant when becoming incapacitated?
Many state forms have specific pregnancy provisions. Many states require continuing life support if the fetus is viable. Specify your wishes clearly.
Where should I keep my living will?
Give copies to: doctor, healthcare proxy, hospital (if you have ongoing care), spouse/family, attorney. Keep original where family can access (NOT in safety deposit box).
Do I need a lawyer for a living will?
Not legally required. State-specific forms are usually sufficient. For complex medical situations or specific religious considerations, attorney review can help.
Related Templates
- Free Power of Attorney Template
- Free Last Will and Testament Template
- Free Medical Power of Attorney Template
- Free DNR Order Template
- Free Letter of Instruction
Disclaimer: This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Living will requirements vary by state. For complex medical situations, religious considerations, or specific concerns, consult with an estate planning attorney and your physician.