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Living Will Form - Massachusetts
A Massachusetts Living Will - sometimes confused with an Advance Directive - is crucial for people who wish to protect themselves in case they can no longer communicate their wishes relating to their health and therefore can not actively take part in making any decisions for their own lives. Any competent adult is eligible to execute a will at any time in order to direct the providing, withholding, or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments. Make your own form with our online form builder .
A basic Living Will template ( found below ) can be used to outline the steps people want to be taken in all the worst-case scenarios - including pain management, instructions on personal grooming and bathing, and any steps regarding the desired religious, spiritual and emotional support. It allows an individual to legally refuse treatment, even if this might lead to death. A person can also indicate their wish to donate their organs and tissues after death.
According to Massachusetts General Laws on Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations (Ch. 183-210) , the state does not officially recognize this type of wills but allows individuals to make their own health care proxies. Two witnesses are required for a health care proxy.
What Is a Massachusetts Living Will?
A Living Will is a written, legal document that spells out the medical treatments an individual would and would not want to be used to keep them alive. The form also clarifies the preferences for other medical decisions, such as pain management or organ donation. The person for whom the will is created is called the Principal.
The document may be revoked at any time as long as the Principal still has the mental capacity to do so. The Principal may also elect a trusted individual - or agent - to make decisions on their behalf when they are no longer able to speak for themselves.
How to Make a Living Will in Massachusetts?
Difficult health-related situations can occur to any person at any age, so it is a good idea for all adults to have a will. Usually, a basic ready-made Living Will template should address most of the medical procedures common in life-threatening situations, such as resuscitation via electric shock, ventilation, and dialysis. An individual can choose to allow some of these procedures or none of them. They may also indicate whether they wish to donate organs and tissues after death. Even if a person refuses life-sustaining care, they can express the desire to receive pain medication throughout final hours including the related provisions in their Living Will.
When completing a will an individual may appoint an agent - or a health care proxy - to make decisions on their behalf in the event of incapacitation. No notarization is required unless otherwise specifically requested by the proxy.
Download Living Will Form - Massachusetts
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