A Living Will lets your Surrogate execute your end of life decisions
Your
Surrogate (
Fiduciary) should be able and willing, first and foremost.
Your Surrogate should also be stoic and strong.
A Living Will does not become effective until you are:
Terminal or permanently unconsciousness, and
Unable to make or communicate decisions.
Be aware that your doctor does not have to follow your Living Will
Should your Doctor not be able to follow your directions in your Living Will, your doctor (as well as any health care provider) must inform your Surrogate if they cannot, for whatever reason, follow your wishes as stated in your Living Will. Thus, it is important to provide a copy of your Living Will to your doctor (or any health care provider) when you enter a hospital or other medical facility. If you are incompetent when you are admitted for medical care and have named someone in your living will to make decisions for you, that person must be informed if the wishes contained in your Living Will cannot be honored. Your doctor (as well as any health care provider) who cannot honor your wishes in your Living Will must then help transfer you to another doctor (or health care provider) who is willing to carry out your directions.