Before you begin a living will, set aside time to gather your details, find any existing healthcare documents and write down the questions you want to discuss. You do not need to make every decision in one sitting.

A living will records treatment preferences for circumstances in which you cannot communicate them. A healthcare power of attorney names a person to make healthcare decisions when you cannot. They serve different purposes; the MedlinePlus overview of advance directives explains the distinction. This checklist focuses on preparation, rather than choosing treatment or giving instructions for a particular state’s form.

Gather your basic details

Have your full name, current address and contact details available. Note the state where you live and any other state where you regularly receive care. When choosing a product or form, check which jurisdiction it covers rather than relying on the document’s title alone.

Make a short contact list for the people you may want to speak with: your healthcare team, a trusted person who knows your wishes and any lawyer helping with your planning. Keep the list somewhere private and accessible to you.

Find the documents you already have

Bring together any existing living will, advance directive or healthcare power of attorney. Note when each was signed and who holds a copy. Include any separate medical orders you want your healthcare team to review with you.

The purpose is to see what is already in place. Do not discard or alter a signed document simply because you have started preparing another. Record questions about how an existing document and a proposed replacement would work together, then resolve them before completing a replacement.

Write down what matters to you

Start with your values and any treatment questions you find difficult. For example: what would you want your healthcare team to understand about your priorities, and which terms in a form need explaining?

Discuss those questions with a doctor, nurse or other appropriate member of your healthcare team. Talk with people close to you about your wishes and the reasons behind them. The National Cancer Institute’s guide to advance directives recommends these conversations as part of preparation.

Think separately about a healthcare agent

If you also want to appoint a healthcare agent, consider someone you trust who is willing to take the role, can be contacted and understands your wishes. Discuss a possible backup too. Eligibility rules vary by state; MedlinePlus explains choosing a healthcare agent.

Keep the question of whom to appoint separate from your treatment preferences. Before purchasing a living-will product, check whether it includes an agent appointment or whether that requires a different document. Do not assume the words “living will” mean both are included.

Plan the completion and sharing steps

Read the instructions for the specific form and jurisdiction before arranging signatures. Requirements vary. Once documents are properly completed, plan how your healthcare team and relevant trusted people will receive copies and know where to find them. The NCI guide discusses storing and sharing advance directives.

Keep a record of whom you have given copies to. That will help you contact the same people if you later change your wishes or replace a document.

Your preparation checklist

• Your current details and the jurisdiction you need to check.
• Existing documents and a note of who holds copies.
• Questions and preferences to discuss with your healthcare team.
• A conversation with a proposed healthcare agent, if relevant.
• The product’s contents, completion instructions and support details.

When you are ready to compare options, read the EstateBee online living will description or the healthcare power of attorney and living will kit listing. For product questions, contact Customer Support; ask your healthcare team about medical choices and a qualified lawyer about individual legal questions.