Living wills are one of those documents people have often heard of, but rarely feel confident explaining. They’re not about money or property, and they don’t deal with what happens after you die. Instead, they focus on decisions about your care while you’re still alive, particularly if you’re unable to speak for yourself.
What a living will actually does
A living will set out your wishes around medical treatment if you lose mental capacity. It can state which treatments you would refuse in certain situations, such as life-sustaining care. Doctors are legally required to follow it, as long as it’s valid and applies to the circumstances.
How it fits with other planning
A living will doesn’t replace your will or a power of attorney – it works alongside them. While a will deals with your estate and an LPA lets someone make decisions on your behalf, a living will gives direct instructions to medical professionals. People often look at setting one up at the same time as setting things up via LPA online. Here, you can find out more about a living will.
Wording and timing
Your living will must be clear, specific, and properly signed in order to be valid. That’s why people often read guidance from specialists such as https://powerofattorneyonline.co.uk/ before putting anything in writing. It also needs reviewing over time, as your views or health may change.
Reducing stress
The real benefit of a living will is what it saves others from. It removes guesswork, guilt, and disagreement at a time when emotions are already high.
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