How To Make a Living Will

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Just saying that you don't want extraordinary measures taken if you become incapacitated doesn't cut it; you need to spell out your wishes in a living will.

To complete this How-To you will need:

To be 18 years old
A sound mind
Two witnesses
A notary public

Step 1: Know your state's requirements

There are no federal laws that govern living wills, so you need to know your state's requirements. Do an internet search for "living will," your state, and "requirements." There is also a privately held nationwide registry, which you can access at www.uslivingwillregistry.com.

Tip: Be careful—there are websites that charge for the same information that you can obtain for free.

Step 2: Declare your sanity

Start the document by attesting to your sanity as of the date that you sign the document. You should use the phrases "being of sound legal mind" and "acting under no coercion."

Step 3: Spell out specific circumstances

Spell out the specific circumstances and conditions in which you want your living will followed: a persistent vegetative state? A terminal illness? Brain damage? Paralysis?

Step 4: List treatments

List any and all treatments you wish to refuse, such as a feeding tube, CPR, a respirator, and dialysis.

Tip: Consider completing a Do Not Resuscitate (or DNR) order along with your living will. This orders medical personnel not to give you CPR in the event your breathing or heart stops.

Step 5: Address pain medication

If you want the maximum pain medication, be sure to say so—especially because choosing to accept or deny life-prolonging measures may cause severe discomfort.

Step 6: See a notary

Take yourself and two witnesses to a notary public, who will attest that everything was in order when you signed and dated the document. Ideally, your witnesses should be people who can cough up the document if it's ever needed.

Tip: In some states, your spouse, relatives, doctor, and heirs can't be witnesses, so check before you go.

Step 7: Alert loved ones

Give loved ones a copy of your living will so that if the need ever arises, your specific wishes will be honored. Also give copies to your doctors, and store one in a safe but accessible place (not a safe deposit box).

Step 8: Appoint a health proxy

Consider appointing a health proxy—someone who has the authority to approve your wishes if you are unable to do so. Health proxy forms are available online or from your local hospital.

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[CanadianTermLife]

Entertaining and informative!

[jethror]

Cool!

[yummybluespidermans]

Last comment

[Randomman5634]

@Beanangel300 Dead Yet?

[lisascripts]

asd

[strollby]

Been considering such a step so found some of the info helpful, thanks for sharing

[Beanangel300]

I think it should be sufficient to make a comment to this video

I Treon Verdery Having watched this video on living wills refuse all chronic lifesaving medical treatment specifically surgery blood transfusion or chronic medication essential to sustained life

I strongly support the rights of persons differing from Treon Verdery to utilize these procedures

[BeSmAHt]

smack my ass plz!!!

she is really beautiful. im prettier tho! eK

[Bopkasen]

It is very funny because most dumb people thought that safety box in bank are 100% safe.

LOL noob

[pfifofast]

Thank you, i was hoping for a laugh