Last updated October 10, 2026 · Report an error
A living will (also called an advance healthcare directive) documents your preferences for medical care in case you become unable to communicate them yourself — distinct from a last will and testament, which addresses your estate after death, not your medical care while alive. This generator builds a directive from your treatment preference, an optional healthcare agent, and any additional wishes.
Requirements for a valid living will — including witnesses and notarization — vary significantly by jurisdiction, so it's important to confirm what applies where you live before relying on this document.
How it works
Enter your name and, if you want to designate one, your healthcare agent's name. Choose your life-sustaining treatment preference — withhold treatment if terminal or permanently unconscious, provide all treatment regardless of condition, or leave the decision to your physician's discretion. Add any additional wishes. The generator builds a complete directive and lets you download it as a PDF.
- Enter your name and, if applicable, your healthcare agent.
- Choose your life-sustaining treatment preference.
- Add any additional wishes and generate the document.
Examples
A directive to withhold life support
Someone documents a preference to withhold life-sustaining treatment if diagnosed with a terminal condition, designating their spouse as healthcare agent.
A directive leaving the decision to a physician
Someone without a strong preference leaves the decision to their attending physician's discretion, in consultation with family.
Who should use it
- Documenting your medical care preferences in advance.
- Designating a healthcare agent to make decisions on your behalf.
Industry applications
- Personal healthcare and estate planning
- Elder care and family planning
Advantages
- Covers the most common life-sustaining treatment preference scenarios.
- Optional healthcare agent designation.
- No account, subscription or watermark.
Limitations
- Not a substitute for legal or medical advice — requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not confirming witness or notarization requirements for your specific jurisdiction.
- Failing to discuss your wishes with your designated healthcare agent and family.
- Not updating the document after major life changes.
Best practices
- Discuss your wishes with your healthcare agent and family before finalizing the document.
- Confirm your jurisdiction's witness and notarization requirements.
- Give copies to your healthcare agent, family, and physician.
Tips
- Review and update your living will periodically or after major life changes.
- Give a copy to your primary physician so it's on file with your medical records.