Living Will - Advance Decision

What is a Living Will (Advance Decision)?

A Living Will is a form which lets you refuse any medical treatments that you do not want to be given in the future. It will only be used if you lack mental capacity to make or communicate a decision for yourself.

A Living Will is also known as an Advance Decision or Advance Directive, but the legal name is Advance Decision to refuse treatment.

It is not an Advance Statement which is a form that lets you record the care you want in the future (visit our Advance Statement page if you want further details of this).

Make a Living Will

Anyone over the age of 18 with mental capacity can make a Living Will.

To make one you need to:

• Fill in the form (see details below on how to obtain one)
• Print, sign and get it witnessed (the witness can be anyone, including a relative)
• Share a copy (with your relatives, GP, local hospital and local ambulance trust)
• Review it regularly (every two years or sooner if your health or wishes change)

You can make a Living Will online, or download a template form [EXTERNAL PDF LINK] to print and complete by hand.