What is a living will?
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 as an advance decision to refuse treatment, drafted to meet the validity requirements under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- Create a living will stating medical treatment preferences
Create an advance decision (living will) for [Your Name] stating preferences regarding [Life Support/Resuscitation/Other Treatments] if unable to communicate, consistent with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- Create a living will naming a healthcare decision-maker
Create a living will for [Your Name] naming [Proxy Name] as healthcare decision-maker to make medical decisions if unable to do so themselves.
- Create a living will addressing a terminal illness scenario
Create a living will for [Your Name] stating wishes regarding treatment and comfort care in the event of a terminal illness diagnosis.
Living Will (Advance Healthcare Directive) Generator (UK)
A living will is a document stating your wishes for medical treatment if you become unable to communicate them yourself. This free UK generator produces documents stating treatment preferences, naming a healthcare decision-maker, and addressing a terminal illness scenario. In England and Wales, a living will generally takes the form of an advance decision to refuse treatment (ADRT) under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, which is legally binding on doctors if it is valid and applicable to the situation, and many people also make a Lasting Power of Attorney for health and welfare to appoint someone with wider decision-making authority. It is designed for UK residents who want to record their wishes clearly. The generator lets you state treatment preferences, name a decision-maker, and address a terminal illness scenario. Use it as a starting point, and follow the specific formality required for an ADRT refusing life-sustaining treatment, which must be written, signed, witnessed, and state clearly that it applies even if life is at risk.
Frequently asked questions
Is a UK living will legally binding?
Yes, if it meets the requirements of an advance decision to refuse treatment under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, including being valid and applicable to the treatment in question.
Do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney as well as a living will in the UK?
Many people have both. A Lasting Power of Attorney for health and welfare lets you appoint someone with broader decision-making authority not specifically covered by your advance decision.
Can I change my living will later in the UK?
Yes, you can update or revoke it at any time while you have the mental capacity to do so.