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Living Will

A living will describes your end-of-life wishes. It declares your wishes for the kind of medical care you want, or do not want, should you become unable to make your own health care decisions. It takes effect only when you are terminally ill (incurable, irreversible, death imminent) and in need of life-support medical treatments/procedures, such as feeding tubes, surgery and respirators (breathing machines).

In Illinois, a living will does not have to be prepared by a lawyer and it does not need to be notarized. You can change your living will at any time. Make sure your significant other, family and doctor know your wishes and have the latest copy of your Living Will.

Steps to complete the living will form: English Español (Adobe Acrobat Reader needed to download form)

  1. Fill-in all blanks on the form.
  2. Select two witnesses who are 18 years of age or older.
  3. Your witnesses should be present when you sign the document.
  4. Make copies for yourself, your doctor and others who should know your wishes.