Living Wills

A Living Will (also called an “Advance Directive) is a document which allows you to plan for the future in terms of medical care you may (or may not) wish to receive at any point in time where are unable to make such decisions for yourself for any reason.

A copy of your Living Will should be kept by your own doctor and close family should be made aware of the existence of the document. By making a statement in advance about medical treatment, you can provide guidance to medical practitioners. This relieves your family from having to make what can be very painful and emotive decisions. For example, you might want to provide that if you have a terminal illness, you would prefer your life not to be prolonged and that you would rather die through natural causes.

You cannot ask for treatment to be given which directly shortens life but you can ask for treatment not to be given if the effect of this treatment would prevent or delay your death. You can ask for treatment which eases suffering even if the result of this treatment might be to accelerate death.

Our team of experts in the Private Client Department are happy to give you guidance in the preparation of your Living Will.

If you would like any further information about us or any of our services, please contact us so that we can help you