Living Will

A living will, or an advance decision as it is sometimes known, is a legal document that allows you to specify in advance which medical treatments you would or would not want to receive if you become unable to make decisions for yourself in the future.

Living wills are becoming increasingly important, as they can provide peace of mind to both you and your family, knowing that your wishes will be followed and decisions will be made in accordance with your wishes. Living wills have become a particularly essential document in the UK as the law allows medical professionals to make decisions on treatments on behalf of those who cannot make decisions for themselves, without the presence of a living will.

Having a living will in place can alleviate a lot of stress and worry for your family as they will not be required to make difficult decisions on your behalf. It also means that you can be sure that your wishes will be respected if you are unable to make decisions for yourself in the future.

Living wills can be used to specify a range of treatments that you would or would not want to receive in the future, such as artificial nutrition, hydration and ventilation. It can also be used to specify whether you would want to receive any life-sustaining treatments, such as

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It is important to note that living wills can only be used to refuse treatments, not to request them.

It is important to make sure that the living will is written in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. This means that for the document to be legally binding, it must be signed and witnessed, and must include a statement that you understand the implications of the document.

Creating a living will can be a difficult process, but it is important to make sure that it is as comprehensive as possible. It is also important to make sure that your family and close friends are aware of the document, as they may need to provide information to medical professionals to help them implement your wishes.

2. what is the average cost of a professional UK will?

The average cost of a professional UK will can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the will and the services required. Generally, a basic will can cost anywhere from £100 to £300, while more complex wills can cost up to £1,000 or more.