Steps for Writing a Living Will in Tennessee
Creating a living will is an essential process for individuals in Tennessee who wish to outline their healthcare preferences in case of incapacitation. This legal document ensures that your wishes are known and respected by medical professionals and loved ones. Here are the steps for writing a living will in Tennessee:
1. Understand the Purpose of a Living Will
A living will is a legal document that specifies your medical treatment preferences if you become unable to communicate your wishes due to illness or injury. This includes decisions about life-sustaining treatments, organ donation, and other critical healthcare issues. Understanding its purpose will help you convey your wishes clearly.
2. Review Tennessee Laws
Familiarize yourself with the Tennessee laws concerning living wills. In Tennessee, the living will is governed by the Tennessee Health Care Decisions Act. According to this law, a living will must be signed by the creator and witnessed by two individuals who cannot benefit from the will. Ensuring compliance with these legal requirements is crucial for the document's validity.
3. Contemplate Your Healthcare Preferences
Take time to reflect on your values and preferences regarding medical treatment. Consider scenarios such as terminal illness, persistent vegetative state, or severe injury. Think about what kind of life-sustaining measures you would want or not want, including resuscitation, artificial nutrition, and hydration.
4. Use a Template or Legal Form
To facilitate the writing process, consider using a template or a legal form specific to Tennessee. These templates often include sections that guide you through outlining your treatment preferences. Ensure you fill in the document completely, providing clear instructions that reflect your desires.
5. Sign and Witness the Document
After completing the living will, it’s time to sign the document. In Tennessee, you must sign the living will in front of two witnesses who are at least 18 years old and are not related to you or financially interested in your estate. Alternatively, you can have the document notarized by a licensed notary public.
6. Store Your Living Will Safely
Once the living will is signed and witnessed, store it in a safe yet accessible location. It is advisable to keep copies of the document in easily reachable places and provide a copy to your healthcare provider, family members, and trusted friends. This will ensure that your wishes are known and can be acted upon during a medical crisis.
7. Review and Update Your Living Will Regularly
Life circumstances can change, and it's important to review your living will regularly. Make updates as necessary, especially after significant life changes such as marriage, divorce, or the diagnosis of a serious medical condition. Remember, if you make any changes, you will have to re-sign and re-witness the document to keep it legally valid.
8. Consider a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
In addition to a living will, you may want to establish a durable power of attorney for healthcare. This document allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Together, a living will and a durable power of attorney provide comprehensive guidance regarding your healthcare preferences.
By following these steps, you can create a living will that ensures your healthcare preferences are respected. Taking the time to organize your wishes can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.