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Wills & Estate

Living Will / Advance Decision Template

A living will, or advance decision, lets you refuse specified medical treatments in advance, in case you later can't communicate your wishes. It can be legally binding on medical staff.

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What this living will / advance decision covers

When you need a living will / advance decision

The legal framework

Understanding the law behind a living will / advance decision helps you use it well. Here is the key UK legislation that applies:

Wills Act 1837
Still the governing legislation for wills in England and Wales. Section 9 sets the execution requirements (signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses who also sign); Section 15 means a witness, or their spouse, who is also a beneficiary forfeits the gift.
Mental Capacity Act 2005
Governs lasting powers of attorney and the capacity required to make a valid will.
Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
Allows certain people to claim from an estate if reasonable financial provision wasn't made for them.
On the horizon. In May 2025 the Law Commission published 'Modernising Wills Law' with a draft Bill proposing significant changes — including enabling electronic wills, ending the rule that marriage revokes a will, and letting courts infer undue influence. These are recommendations only and are not yet law; the Wills Act 1837 continues to apply.

Frequently asked questions

Is an advance decision legally binding?

Yes, if valid and applicable to the situation. Refusals of life-sustaining treatment must be in writing, signed and witnessed.

How is this different from an LPA?

An advance decision refuses specific treatment; a health and welfare LPA appoints someone to make decisions for you.

How Legal Lift helps

Answer a few plain-English questions and our AI generator produces a tailored living will / advance decision, ready to edit, download as PDF or Word, and e-sign with LegalSign. Every template is kept current with UK law, and our SRA-regulated solicitor partners are available if you'd like it reviewed.

This page explains the law in general terms to help you understand your living will / advance decision. It is information, not legal advice. For guidance on your specific circumstances, our SRA-regulated solicitor partners are here to help.

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Last Will & TestamentLasting Power of AttorneyCodicil to a WillLetter of WishesExecutor AppointmentDeed of Variation

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