Living wills Modern medicine raises important issues for all of us. If you were terminally ill how would you wish to be treated? How would you make your views known? A Living Will (sometimes called an Advance Directive) is a document by which a person gives directions as to what should happen if and when he or she becomes unable to take decisions for his or her own health care. Often the person making the document wishes to provide that if he or she is terminally ill and incapable no steps will be taken to keep him or her alive and any procedures designed to do so that are already in place will be withdrawn. Other people wish to limit the type of treatment received. There has been much debate about Living Wills which originated in the USA in the late 1960s. In the last 10 years Living Wills have been the subject of numerous reports and the courts have become involved in the issue. You will understand that a Living Will is not a Will in the normal sense. It does not dispose of property or apply only on death. If this is something that concerns you, we shall be very pleased to advise and assist you and prepare a Living Will for you. For further information or to arrange a consultation please contact Richard Bussell