Homepage Attorney-Approved Living Will Document Free Living Will Template for the State of Arizona

Form Breakdown

Fact Name Details
Definition The Arizona Living Will is a legal document that outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate their preferences.
Governing Law The Arizona Living Will is governed by Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 36, Chapter 32.
Eligibility Any adult who is at least 18 years old can create a Living Will in Arizona.
Signature Requirements The form must be signed by the individual and witnessed by two adults who are not related to the individual or entitled to any part of their estate.
Revocation A person can revoke their Living Will at any time, either verbally or in writing, as long as they are competent to do so.
Health Care Decisions The Living Will specifically addresses decisions regarding life-sustaining treatment, including the use of resuscitation and artificial nutrition.
Durable Power of Attorney Individuals may choose to create a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, which can complement or serve as an alternative to a Living Will.
Storage and Accessibility It is advisable to keep the Living Will in a safe but accessible location and to provide copies to family members and healthcare providers.
Legal Effect The Living Will becomes effective when a person is diagnosed with a terminal condition or is in a persistent vegetative state.
Limitations The Living Will does not cover all medical situations, and its effectiveness may depend on the specific circumstances surrounding an individual's health condition.

Sample - Arizona Living Will Form

Arizona Living Will

This is a Living Will created in accordance with Arizona state laws. It outlines your preferences for medical treatment if you become unable to speak for yourself.

Patient Information:

  • Name: ________________________________________
  • Date of Birth: ________________________________
  • Address: ______________________________________
  • City: ________________________________________
  • State: Arizona
  • Zip Code: ___________________________________

Living Will Declaration:

If I am diagnosed with a terminal condition or an irreversible condition, I wish for my wishes regarding medical treatment to be respected.

My Preferences Are As Follows:

  1. I do not want life-sustaining treatment if it only prolongs the dying process.
  2. I do want pain relief even if it may hasten death.
  3. I wish to receive palliative care to maintain comfort and dignity.
  4. If I cannot communicate, my wishes regarding organ donation are: ________________________.

Medical Agent Information:

I appoint the following person as my medical agent to ensure my wishes are followed:

  • Name: ________________________________________
  • Phone Number: ________________________________
  • Address: ______________________________________

Witnesses:

Two witnesses are required to validate this Living Will. The witnesses should not be related by blood or marriage, nor should they be entitled to any part of my estate.

  1. Witness 1 Name: _______________________________
  2. Witness 1 Signature: __________________________
  3. Witness 2 Name: _______________________________
  4. Witness 2 Signature: __________________________

Signatures:

By signing below, I confirm that this Living Will reflects my wishes and that I am of sound mind:

Patient Signature: ____________________________ Date: ________________

Thank you for taking the time to prepare this important document. It is essential to ensure your healthcare preferences are understood and followed.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Arizona Living Will form can be a straightforward process, but many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to complications later on. One frequent error is failing to provide clear instructions regarding medical treatment preferences. It is essential to specify what types of life-sustaining treatments one does or does not want. Vague language can lead to misunderstandings among healthcare providers.

Another mistake is not signing the document in the presence of witnesses. Arizona law requires that the Living Will be signed by the individual and witnessed by at least two adults who are not related to the individual and do not stand to gain from the individual's estate. Skipping this step can render the document invalid.

Many people also forget to date the form. A missing date can create confusion about the document's validity and the individual's current wishes. It is crucial to ensure that the date of signing is clearly indicated to avoid any potential disputes.

In addition, individuals often neglect to review the completed form thoroughly. Overlooking errors or unclear language can result in unintended consequences. Taking the time to read through the document carefully can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the wishes are accurately reflected.

Another common oversight is not discussing the Living Will with family members or healthcare proxies. Open communication can help ensure that everyone understands the individual's wishes. This conversation can also clarify any questions or concerns that family members may have.

Some individuals make the mistake of using outdated forms. Laws and regulations can change, and it is important to use the most current version of the Living Will form. Using an outdated form may lead to complications in enforcing the individual's wishes.

Additionally, people sometimes forget to update their Living Will after significant life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. These events can impact medical decisions, and it is important to revise the document accordingly to reflect current wishes and circumstances.

Lastly, failing to keep copies of the completed Living Will can create issues when it is needed. It is advisable to provide copies to healthcare providers, family members, and anyone designated as a healthcare proxy. Ensuring that the document is accessible can help facilitate adherence to the individual's wishes.