MORTL Tools · Free to build and download
Living Will
Builder
A living will records which treatments you want and which you don’t, for a time when you can’t say so yourself. It’s one half of an advance directive; the other half, a healthcare power of attorney, names the person who speaks for you. Answer the questions, watch the document build, and sign it to your state’s rules.
This builder prepares a draft, not legal advice. Legal effect depends on signing a document that meets your state’s current requirements. The official source for your state is linked inside the tool.
Checking your account.
Which document is which
Three names, one plan. People use them interchangeably and hospitals don’t.
Living will
Your treatment instructions. What you want and don’t want when you can’t speak. That’s this builder.
Healthcare power of attorney
Your person. Names who makes the calls your living will doesn’t cover. Some states call them a healthcare proxy or agent.
Advance directive
The umbrella term for both together. Many states combine them in one form. Keep yours together either way.
Want the whole set in one pass, with your state’s rules up front? That’s the Advance Directive Hub.
Common questions
- What’s the difference between a living will and an advance directive?
- An advance directive is the umbrella. It usually holds two things: a living will, which records the treatments you want and don’t want, and a healthcare power of attorney, which names the person who decides when you can’t. This tool builds the living will. The Advance Directive Hub covers the full set and your state’s signing rules.
- Is a living will legally binding?
- A living will that meets your state’s signing requirements is a legal document your doctors and hospital are expected to follow. What you build here is a draft; it takes effect when you sign it with the witnesses or notary your state requires. The official source for your state is linked inside the tool.
- Do I need a lawyer to make a living will?
- Living wills are written so people can complete them without a lawyer, and your state’s official source publishes what makes one valid. A lawyer earns the fee when you expect family conflict or your wishes need language the standard forms don’t have.
- Can I change or cancel my living will?
- Yes, any time you can communicate your decisions. Sign a new one, destroy the old copies, and tell your agent and your doctor. The newest properly signed document is the one that counts.