Arizona Living Will Frequently Asked Questions

An Arizona living will is often confused with a last will and testament. But they are two very different documents. In this article, we will go over Arizona living will frequently asked questions.

What is a Living Will?

An Arizona living will is an advance healthcare planning document. It allows you to outline your end of life treatment wishes in the case of your incapacity. It allows you to outline the treatments you do or do not want to receive. This includes things like life-sustaining treatment and pain management. This document is to allow you to set out your end of life decisions.

Who Should Have a Living Will?

Everyone, despite your age, should have a living will. When you face major medical treatment it eliminates the need for your loved ones to make difficult decisions for you.

What Are the Risks of Not Having an Arizona Living Will?

If you do not have a living will in place, your family may not know what your wishes are and to follow them. This can lead to confusion and potentially unwanted treatments. In Arizona, family generally cannot override a living will. It can also help mitigate medical bills in situations where there is no hope of recovery.

When Does a Living Will Go Into Effect?

To be valid a living will needs to be in writing, dates, signed by the individual, who is at least 18 years of age, and notarized. It is recognized as a legally binding contract and your healthcare providers are required to follow its instructions. The document is considered active once it is signed and notarized.

What Decisions Do You Need to Make?

When you fill out your living will you need to decide if you want life sustaining maneuvers if you are in a terminal, comatose, and vegetative state. You will decide if you want resuscitation, intubation, and ventilation.

How Do I Create a Living Will?

First of all, you need to be of sound mind and free of undue influence. Then you will need to decide if you want to download one or have a legal professional draft one for you. Then you will want to specify your wishes on the document, such as if you want life-sustaining treatment and pain management. Then you will want to sign the document in front of a notary to make your document legally binding. You will need to give your healthcare providers and healthcare agents a copy. You can also register a copy with the Arizona Healthcare Directive Registry that all Arizona hospitals have access to.

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