Printable  Living Will Template for Arkansas Fill Out Form Online

Printable Living Will Template for Arkansas

A Living Will is a legal document that allows individuals in Arkansas to outline their preferences for medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate their wishes. This important form ensures that a person's healthcare decisions are respected, particularly concerning end-of-life care. Understanding how to properly complete and utilize the Arkansas Living Will form is crucial for anyone looking to safeguard their medical choices.

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Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Arkansas Living Will form, it is important to approach the process with care and consideration. Below is a list of things to do and avoid to ensure your wishes are clearly communicated.

  • Do clearly state your medical preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment.
  • Do discuss your wishes with family members and loved ones.
  • Do sign and date the form in the presence of a witness.
  • Do keep a copy of the completed form in a safe place.
  • Do inform your healthcare provider about your Living Will.
  • Don't use vague language that may lead to misunderstandings.
  • Don't forget to review and update the form as needed.
  • Don't leave the form unsigned or undated.
  • Don't assume that your wishes are known without discussing them.

Important Details about Arkansas Living Will

What is an Arkansas Living Will?

An Arkansas Living Will is a legal document that allows individuals to express their wishes regarding medical treatment in case they become unable to communicate their preferences. It specifically addresses end-of-life care and outlines what types of medical interventions a person does or does not want when facing terminal illness or irreversible conditions.

Who should create a Living Will?

Anyone over the age of 18 can create a Living Will in Arkansas. It is especially important for individuals with serious health conditions, those undergoing major surgeries, or anyone who wants to ensure their medical preferences are known. Having this document can provide peace of mind for both the individual and their loved ones.

How do I create a Living Will in Arkansas?

To create a Living Will in Arkansas, follow these steps:

  1. Obtain a Living Will form. You can find templates online or through legal resources.
  2. Fill out the form with your personal information and your specific wishes regarding medical treatment.
  3. Sign the document in the presence of two witnesses, who must also sign the form. Alternatively, you can have it notarized.

Make sure to keep the original document in a safe place and provide copies to your healthcare provider and family members.

Can I change or revoke my Living Will?

Yes, you can change or revoke your Living Will at any time, as long as you are mentally competent. To make changes, simply create a new Living Will and follow the same signing process. To revoke it, you can destroy the document or inform your healthcare provider and family members that you no longer wish for it to be in effect.

What happens if I don’t have a Living Will?

If you do not have a Living Will, medical decisions may be made by your family members or healthcare providers without knowing your preferences. This can lead to disagreements among family members and may result in treatments that you would not have wanted. Having a Living Will helps ensure that your wishes are respected.

Is a Living Will the same as a Power of Attorney?

No, a Living Will and a Power of Attorney are different documents. A Living Will focuses on your wishes regarding medical treatment, while a Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf in various matters, including financial and legal issues. You can have both documents to cover different aspects of your life.

Where should I keep my Living Will?

Store your Living Will in a safe but accessible location. Inform your family members and healthcare providers about its location. It’s also wise to carry a card in your wallet that indicates you have a Living Will and where it can be found. This ensures that your wishes can be easily accessed when needed.

Example - Arkansas Living Will Form

Arkansas Living Will

This document is created in accordance with Arkansas state laws regarding advance directives.

I, [Your Full Name], born on [Your Date of Birth], residing at [Your Address], declare this to be my Living Will.

I am of sound mind, and I understand that this Living Will enables me to make decisions regarding my medical care in the event that I am unable to communicate my wishes.

In the event that I am diagnosed with a terminal illness or am in a persistent vegetative state, I wish to provide the following instructions:

  • If I am unable to communicate, I do not wish to receive life-sustaining treatments that would only prolong the dying process.
  • I wish to receive comfort care and relief from pain, even if it may hasten my death.
  • Other specific wishes: [Your Specific Instructions]

I appoint the following individual as my healthcare proxy to make decisions on my behalf if I am unable to do so:

Name: [Proxy's Full Name]
Address: [Proxy's Address]
Phone Number: [Proxy's Phone Number]

If the above-named proxy is unable or unwilling to act, I appoint:

Name: [Alternate Proxy's Full Name]
Address: [Alternate Proxy's Address]
Phone Number: [Alternate Proxy's Phone Number]

This Living Will is effective from the date I sign it below. I understand that I have the right to revoke or change this document at any time while I am competent to do so.

Signed:

[Your Signature]
Date: [Date of Signature]

Witnesses:

  1. Name: [Witness 1 Name], Signature: [Witness 1 Signature], Date: [Witness 1 Date]
  2. Name: [Witness 2 Name], Signature: [Witness 2 Signature], Date: [Witness 2 Date]