Don't wind up like Terri - get free living will forms here

[jojo54]

at http://www.uslivingwillregistry.com/forms.shtm

This site gives the forms for all states and it doesn't cost a thing. It also explains the hows, whens, whys, wheres and whats.

Keep this post alive. We need to get these in place so that the neocons will HAVE to stay out of our personal lives!!!

On edit: I have to log off; can't discuss now. Just get the forms!

[Deep13]

1. Use a lawyer.

States have very particular rules about what constitutes a living will. It is a lot cheaper to have a lawyer draft one correctly than it is to pay one to fix the mistake in litigation, assuming its fixable at all.

[Coyote_Bandit]

2. Yes, Use a Lawyer

The words can be right and the execution can be flawed and that can keep it from being enforced.In most states there are some very technical requirements not only regarding the precise wording but also the precise mannr in which the document must be signed and witnessed and usually notarized.

[HockeyMom]

3. Yes

Mom's was drawn up by an attorney and was 6 pages long. In New York, it needs two witnesses. I would also appoint somebody your Health Proxy/Power of Attorney, just as important. Sit down with them and discuss your feelings and what you would want them to do. That person will then be able to "speak" for you if there are questions about the Living Will.

Be prepared, though, it is a lot of paperwork if you want to be sure everything is in legal order. I am afraid, though, because of what this case is opening up, you will need them.

[jojo54]

4. Back on again

This website was recommended by the American Bar Association in a column in this mornings Philadelphia Inquirer. I was watching Washington Journal on C-Span this morning. One of the guest speakers was Nancy Coleman, director of the ABA's Commission on Law & Aging. She said there a lot of websites that give you the correct forms to fill out. She did also recommend a power of attorney.

I do agree that a practicing lawyer should look at the forms for clarity, or he/she should draw up something legally. I realize it's a small price to pay, but some of us have to save for months to have even that small amount to spend.

Anyway, just wanted to get this info out in case someone wanted to look into it. Hope it helps some.