How to Make a Living Will in NJ: A Comprehensive Guide
Creating a living will in New Jersey is an essential step in ensuring that your medical wishes are respected if you become incapacitated. A living will, also known as an advance healthcare directive, outlines your preferences regarding medical treatment in the event you are unable to communicate them. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to make a living will in New Jersey, including the necessary steps and considerations.
1. Understand the Purpose of a Living Will
A living will is a legal document that allows you to express your healthcare preferences, including the types of treatments you want or do not want to receive. By creating a living will, you can ensure that your loved ones and healthcare providers know your wishes, which can prevent unnecessary suffering and legal disputes.
2. Determine Your Healthcare Preferences
Before drafting your living will, it is crucial to consider your healthcare preferences. This includes decisions about life-sustaining treatments such as artificial nutrition and hydration, mechanical ventilation, dialysis, and resuscitation. Think about your values, beliefs, and quality of life preferences to make informed decisions.
3. Find a Reliable Living Will Template
To create a living will in New Jersey, you can use a reliable template available online or through legal resources. Make sure the template is specific to New Jersey state laws to ensure its validity. You can find templates from reputable sources such as the New Jersey Department of Health or legal websites.
4. Draft Your Living Will
Using the template, fill out the required information, including your name, date of birth, and contact information. Clearly state your healthcare preferences, such as whether you want life-sustaining treatments to be continued, withheld, or withdrawn. It is essential to be as specific as possible to avoid any misunderstandings.
5. Sign and Witness the Document
Once you have completed the living will, it must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are not related to you by blood or marriage. The witnesses must also sign the document, attesting that you signed it voluntarily and without any coercion. In New Jersey, the witnesses must be at least 18 years old.
6. Store Your Living Will Safely
After signing your living will, store it in a safe and accessible place. Provide copies to your family members, healthcare providers, and any other individuals you trust to ensure your wishes are known when needed. Consider keeping an electronic copy in a secure online storage service for easy access.
7. Review and Update Your Living Will
As your life circumstances change, it is essential to review and update your living will accordingly. If you have any changes in your healthcare preferences or personal circumstances, make sure to revise your living will and provide updated copies to relevant individuals.
In conclusion, making a living will in New Jersey is a critical step in ensuring that your healthcare preferences are respected. By following these steps and considering your values and preferences, you can create a legally binding document that provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
