How to Make a Living Will in Texas
Creating a living will in Texas is an important step in ensuring that your healthcare wishes are respected if you become incapacitated. A living will, also known as an advance healthcare directive, is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment in the event that you are unable to communicate your wishes. This article will guide you through the process of making a living will in Texas, ensuring that your healthcare decisions are made according to your values and beliefs.
Understanding the Basics
Before you begin the process of creating a living will in Texas, it’s essential to understand the basics. A living will is a legal document that allows you to specify your healthcare preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments, such as artificial nutrition and hydration, mechanical ventilation, and dialysis. It is not a document that revokes your right to make decisions about your own healthcare; rather, it provides guidance for your healthcare providers in case you are unable to make decisions for yourself.
Choosing a Healthcare Proxy
In addition to creating a living will, it’s also important to appoint a healthcare proxy. This person will make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. When choosing a healthcare proxy, consider someone who is trustworthy, knowledgeable about your healthcare preferences, and willing to make difficult decisions in your best interest.
Creating the Living Will
To create a living will in Texas, follow these steps:
1. Find a Template: You can find free living will templates online or purchase a pre-printed form from a legal supply store. Ensure that the template is specifically designed for Texas state laws.
2. Review the Template: Carefully read through the template to understand the questions and instructions. The document will likely cover various scenarios, such as whether you want life-sustaining treatments continued if you are in a vegetative state or have a terminal illness.
3. Answer the Questions: Answer each question honestly and to the best of your ability. Be as specific as possible regarding your healthcare preferences.
4. Sign the Document: Sign the living will in the presence of two witnesses who are not related to you by blood or marriage. The witnesses must be at least 18 years old and capable of understanding the document’s significance.
5. Notarize the Document: While not required in Texas, notarizing your living will can provide additional legal protection. To notarize, sign the document in front of a notary public.
6. Store the Document: Keep your living will in a safe and accessible place, such as a fireproof safe or a safe deposit box. Inform your healthcare proxy and close family members of its location.
Updating Your Living Will
As your life circumstances change, it’s essential to update your living will accordingly. Any significant changes in your healthcare preferences, such as a change in your healthcare proxy or a change in your treatment preferences, should be reflected in your living will. Be sure to review and update your living will regularly to ensure that it accurately reflects your current wishes.
Conclusion
Creating a living will in Texas is a crucial step in ensuring that your healthcare preferences are respected if you become incapacitated. By following these steps and understanding the importance of a living will, you can provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones. Remember to keep your living will up to date and accessible to ensure that your healthcare decisions are made according to your values and beliefs.
