What is a living will?
In Australia this is generally called an advance care directive, and it is a document stating your wishes for medical treatment if you become unable to communicate them yourself.
Health & Medical
Living Will (Advance Healthcare Directive)
Generate a living will stating medical treatment preferences, drafted with awareness that advance care directive laws differ significantly between Australian states and territories.
- Create a living will stating medical treatment preferences
Create an advance care directive for [Your Name] stating preferences regarding [Life Support/Resuscitation/Other Treatments] if unable to communicate, for use in [State/Territory].
- Create a living will naming a healthcare decision-maker
Create an advance care directive for [Your Name] naming [Proxy Name] as substitute decision-maker to make medical decisions if unable to do so themselves.
- Create a living will addressing a terminal illness scenario
Create an advance care directive for [Your Name] stating wishes regarding treatment and comfort care in the event of a terminal illness diagnosis.
Living Will (Advance Healthcare Directive) Generator (Australia)
A living will, generally called an advance care directive in Australia, is a document stating your wishes for medical treatment if you become unable to communicate them yourself. This free Australian generator produces documents stating treatment preferences, naming a substitute decision-maker, and addressing a terminal illness scenario. Advance care directive law is set at the state and territory level rather than nationally, so the legal form, name, and requirements differ significantly, for example Victoria has a dedicated Medical Treatment Planning and Decisions Act 2016 while other states rely on a mix of guardianship and powers of attorney legislation. It is designed for Australians who want to record their wishes clearly, but the document should be checked against the specific requirements of your state or territory. The generator lets you state treatment preferences, name a substitute decision-maker, and address a terminal illness scenario. Use it as a starting point, and confirm the form and witnessing requirements that apply where you live.
Frequently asked questions
Is advance care directive law the same across Australia?
No. Each state and territory has its own legislation and forms, so the requirements, and even the name of the document, differ depending on where you live.
How is a living will different from a last will and testament?
A living will or advance care directive covers medical decisions while you're alive but unable to communicate; a last will and testament covers asset distribution after death.
Can I change my advance care directive later in Australia?
Yes, you can generally update or revoke it at any time while you have the capacity to do so, but you should check the process required in your state or territory.