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

Form Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Purpose The New Jersey Living Will form allows individuals to express their wishes regarding medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate those wishes themselves.
Governing Law The form is governed by the New Jersey Advance Directives for Health Care Act, specifically N.J.S.A. 26:2H-53 et seq.
Eligibility Any adult who is at least 18 years old and of sound mind can create a Living Will in New Jersey.
Witness Requirements The Living Will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are not related to the individual and do not stand to gain from the individual's estate.
Revocation A Living Will can be revoked at any time by the individual, either verbally or in writing, as long as they are competent to do so.
Health Care Proxy While a Living Will outlines treatment preferences, individuals can also appoint a health care proxy to make decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so.

Sample - New Jersey Living Will Form

New Jersey Living Will

This Living Will is created in accordance with New Jersey law regarding advance directives.

Instructions

Please fill out the information below to complete your Living Will. Ensure that your wishes are clear and specific.

Declarant Information

Name:

Date of Birth:

Address:

Phone Number:

Health Care Instructions

I, [Your Name], wish to provide the following instructions regarding my health care:

  • In the event that I am unable to communicate my health care wishes, I request the following:
    • Do not resuscitate (DNR)
    • Allow natural death
    • Provide all life-sustaining treatment

Specific Wishes

Please specify any other wishes regarding your medical treatment:

Appointment of Health Care Representative

I hereby appoint the following individual as my health care representative:

Name:

Relationship:

Phone Number:

Signatures

By signing below, I affirm that these wishes accurately reflect my desires regarding my health care:

Signature: ____________________ Date: ______________

Witnesses

This Living Will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are not related to you or beneficiaries of your estate.

  1. Witness 1 Name:
  2. Witness 2 Name:

Please keep a copy of this Living Will with your other important documents and share it with your health care representative and family members.

Common mistakes

Filling out a New Jersey Living Will form is an important step in planning for future medical care. However, many people make common mistakes that can lead to confusion or even legal issues later on. Understanding these pitfalls can help ensure that your wishes are clearly communicated.

One frequent mistake is failing to provide clear and specific instructions. Vague language can lead to misunderstandings about your preferences. For instance, stating "I do not want life-sustaining treatment" without elaborating on specific situations may leave healthcare providers uncertain about your wishes.

Another common error is neglecting to sign and date the document. A Living Will must be properly executed to be valid. Without a signature, it may not hold up when needed. Always double-check that you have signed and dated your form before considering it complete.

Some individuals forget to discuss their wishes with family members or healthcare proxies. Open communication can prevent disputes and ensure that everyone understands your preferences. It’s crucial to inform those involved in your care about your Living Will to avoid confusion during critical moments.

Additionally, people often overlook the importance of reviewing and updating their Living Will regularly. Life circumstances change, and so may your preferences. Make it a habit to revisit your Living Will every few years or after significant life events, such as a marriage or a diagnosis.

Lastly, many individuals do not seek guidance when filling out the form. While it may seem straightforward, consulting with a legal or healthcare professional can provide valuable insights. They can help clarify any uncertainties and ensure that the document accurately reflects your wishes.