The term ‘living will’, whilst helping people to understand the concept, is somewhat misleading in that, unlike a will, it does not deal with money or property.
Moreover, it can relate to all future treatment, not just that which may be immediately life-saving.
An advance decision, as it is formally known is legally binding in England and Wales. Except in the case where the individual decides to refuse life-saving treatment, it does not have to be written down, although most are and a written document is less likely to be challenged.
