Information & advice

This information sheet explains the law on ‘living wills’. A living will is a statement expressing your views on how you would or would not like to be treated if you are unable to make decisions about your treatment yourself at the relevant time in the future.

Advance decisions and advance statements are the formal names for the two different types of ‘living will’. This factsheet explains the difference between the two types‚ how to make one‚ and when they will be legally binding.

For information about the other parts of the Mental Capacity Act‚ including Lasting Powers of Attorney‚ see Age Concern Factsheet 22 Arranging for others to make decisions about your finances or welfare.

The information given in this factsheet is applicable in England and Wales only. Different rules apply in Northern Ireland and Scotland. Readers in these nations should contact their respective national Age Concern organisation for information specific to where they live.

Further information

Please download Factsheet 72 from the top right corner of this page for detailed information. 

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