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. 

It includes the law on advance decisions, as set out in the Mental Capacity Act 2005, which is fully in force from 1st October 2007. An advance decision allows you to record your wish to refuse certain types of medical treatment, and will be binding on the people providing your care if you lose the capacity to make the decision at the relevant time.

Further information

Please download our information sheet at the top right of this screen for more information.