Homepage Attorney-Approved Living Will Template for Arkansas

File Details

Fact Name Description
Purpose The Arkansas Living Will form allows individuals to express their wishes regarding medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate their preferences.
Governing Law This form is governed by the Arkansas Code Annotated, Title 20, Chapter 17, which outlines the state's laws on advance directives.
Requirements The form must be signed by the individual and witnessed by two adults who are not related to the individual or named in the document.
Revocation Individuals can revoke their Living Will at any time, provided they communicate their decision to healthcare providers.
Storage and Accessibility It is recommended that individuals keep a copy of their Living Will in a safe place and provide copies to their healthcare providers and family members.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the Arkansas Living Will form is an important step in ensuring your healthcare wishes are respected. Here are key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • Understand the purpose: A Living Will outlines your preferences for medical treatment in case you become unable to communicate your wishes.
  • Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to complete the form.
  • Specificity matters: Clearly state your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments, such as resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, and feeding tubes.
  • Consult a healthcare professional: Discuss your choices with a doctor to ensure you understand the implications of your decisions.
  • Witness requirement: The form must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are not related to you and do not stand to gain from your estate.
  • Revocation: You can revoke your Living Will at any time, and it’s advisable to inform your healthcare providers and loved ones of any changes.
  • Keep copies: Maintain copies of your Living Will in easily accessible locations and provide copies to your healthcare proxy and family members.
  • Review regularly: Revisit your Living Will periodically, especially after significant life changes, to ensure it still reflects your wishes.
  • Legal validity: Arkansas recognizes Living Wills that comply with state laws, so ensure your document meets all requirements to be enforceable.

Detailed Steps for Using Arkansas Living Will

After obtaining the Arkansas Living Will form, you will need to complete it carefully. This document allows you to express your wishes regarding medical treatment in the event you become unable to communicate. Follow these steps to ensure that your form is filled out correctly.

  1. Begin by writing your full name at the top of the form.
  2. Next, provide your date of birth. This helps to identify you clearly.
  3. Fill in your address, including city, state, and zip code.
  4. Clearly state your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments. You may choose to accept or refuse specific treatments.
  5. Sign the document in the designated area. This signature confirms that you understand and agree to the contents of the Living Will.
  6. Have the form witnessed. Arkansas law requires that you have at least two witnesses sign the document. Make sure they are not related to you or entitled to any portion of your estate.
  7. Consider having the document notarized for added validity, although this is not required.
  8. Keep a copy of the completed form for your records and share it with your healthcare provider and family members.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Arkansas Living Will form is an important step in ensuring your healthcare wishes are honored. However, many people make common mistakes that can lead to confusion or unintended consequences. Understanding these pitfalls can help you complete the form correctly.

One frequent mistake is failing to clearly state your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment. Vague language can lead to misinterpretation by healthcare providers. It’s crucial to be specific about what types of treatments you do or do not want in various medical situations.

Another common error is neglecting to sign and date the form. Without your signature, the document is not legally valid. Additionally, failing to have witnesses present during the signing can invalidate the Living Will. Arkansas requires two witnesses who are not related to you or beneficiaries of your estate.

People often overlook the importance of reviewing the document after completion. Changes in your health or personal beliefs may require updates to your Living Will. Regularly revisiting the document ensures it reflects your current wishes.

Some individuals mistakenly assume that a Living Will is the same as a durable power of attorney for healthcare. While both documents relate to medical decisions, they serve different purposes. A Living Will outlines your wishes, while a durable power of attorney designates someone to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Another mistake is not discussing your Living Will with family members or healthcare proxies. Open communication can prevent confusion and conflict when decisions need to be made. Informing your loved ones about your choices ensures they understand and respect your wishes.

Finally, people sometimes fail to keep their Living Will accessible. Storing it in a safe place, while secure, may not be the best option. Make sure your healthcare proxy and family members know where to find it in case of an emergency.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can create a Living Will that accurately reflects your healthcare preferences and helps guide your loved ones and medical providers in critical situations.

Arkansas Living Will Sample

Arkansas Living Will Template

This Living Will is made in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas.

Purpose: This document outlines my wishes regarding medical treatment in the event that I am unable to communicate my preferences.

Personal Information:

  • Name: ________________________
  • Date of Birth: ________________________
  • Address: ________________________
  • Phone Number: ________________________

Statement of Wishes:

If I become unable to make decisions about my medical care, I direct that my treatment be guided by the following preferences:

  1. In the event of a terminal illness or condition, I do not wish to receive life-sustaining treatment.
  2. If I am in a persistent vegetative state, I do not wish to receive treatment that prolongs my life.
  3. I wish to receive comfort care, such as pain relief and support for my emotional and spiritual needs.

Appointment of Health Care Proxy:

I hereby appoint the following individual to act on my behalf regarding medical decisions:

  • Name of Proxy: ________________________
  • Relationship: ________________________
  • Contact Information: ________________________

Signatures:

By signing below, I confirm that this Living Will reflects my wishes regarding my medical treatment:

  • Signature: ________________________
  • Date: ________________________

Witness signatures are required for this document to be valid in Arkansas:

  • Witness 1 Signature: ________________________
  • Date: ________________________
  • Witness 2 Signature: ________________________
  • Date: ________________________

Note: This Living Will should be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect your current wishes.