Living Will in Washington State

Need help creating a living will? Call 425-231-1559 to speak with an Everett attorney about documenting your healthcare wishes and planning ahead with confidence.

A living will is a legal document that allows you to clearly state your medical care preferences if you become unable to communicate decisions yourself. In Washington State, a living will is often referred to as an advance directive and is used to guide doctors and loved ones during serious or end-of-life medical situations. For an overview of how different will documents work together, return to our Wills overview. While a living will focuses on healthcare decisions, many people also choose to create a Last Will and Testament to ensure their property and assets are distributed according to their wishes.

What a Living Will Covers

A properly prepared living will can address whether you wish to receive or decline certain medical treatments, including life-sustaining care, artificial nutrition, hydration, and pain management. This document becomes effective only if you are incapacitated and unable to make or express medical decisions on your own.

By putting these instructions in writing, you reduce uncertainty and help prevent disagreements among family members during already difficult circumstances.

Why a Living Will Is Important

Without a living will, medical decisions may be left to family members who may be unsure of your wishes or disagree with one another. A living will provides clarity, direction, and peace of mind by ensuring your preferences are known and respected.

This document is especially important for adults of any age, not just those with existing medical conditions. Unexpected illness or injury can happen at any time.

Living Will vs. Other Estate Documents

A living will focuses solely on medical decisions and does not control financial matters or property distribution. Many people choose to prepare a living will alongside other documents, such as a health care power of attorney or a standard will, to ensure comprehensive planning.