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Living Wills 101

Where Do I Find A Living Will Form For Use In The State In Which I Live?

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Free Living Wills

The web site, wwwcaringinfo.org offsite link, contains free forms and the requirements for their execution for each state. To find a Living Will usable in your state, see: http://www.caringinfo.org/stateaddownload offsite link. You'll find the form under the general heading: "Advance Directives".

Hospitals and other medical facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities which received Medicare or Medicaid funds have free Living Wills.

Another excellent source of your state's laws concerning Advance Directives are local non-profit organizations that serve seniors or people with a life-changing condition such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or Alzheimer's.

Low Cost

Another reputable source is the Cancer Information Service, a program of the National Cancer Institute. If you call 800.422.6237 you receive information on how to order state specific documents. The minimal cost varies by state.

Five Wishes is a document that combines Living Wills acceptable in all 50 states with additional information and useful forms. Unlike other forms, the Five Wishes form allows you to specify that if certain life-support measures are started, they may be stopped if a doctor says that they are not doing any good. It also lets you specify whether you want to die at home or in a hospice. You can see and order the form at www.agingwithdignity.org offsite link. Cost: $5.00 per copy.

Sanctuary, Inc. also maintains Living Wills and similar forms and literature. Although the Living Will and Healthcare Proxy documents are free, Sanctuary requests a $25 donation with your order. Sanctuary combines a Healthcare Power of Attorney and a Living Will into one document. Sanctuary is located at 204-04 Hillside Avenue, Hollis, NY 11423. Telephone: 718.479.1000. www.healthproxylivingwill.org offsite link.

Many stationery, book, and office supply stores also sell forms that conform to your state's laws. Many of those stores carry forms geared to each state by Rediform  of Coppell, TX 75019 (their Durable Power of Attorney Kit is Legal Form 10175). If you are unable to locate a store that carries Rediform  products, you call the company's hotline at 800.234.7586. As of this writing, you cannot order forms through their website, but it may be worth checking when you read this. See www.rediform.com offsite link


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