Living Will Attorney in Washington State
Helping You Make Healthcare Decisions in Advance
Living Will
A living will isn’t about giving up control—it’s about keeping it. At Whalley Law, we help individuals and families across Tacoma, Spokane Valley, King County, and Pierce County create clear, legally valid living wills that protect their medical wishes if they’re ever unable to speak for themselves.
A living will (also called an advance directive) outlines the types of medical treatment you do—or don’t—want in situations where you’re incapacitated. It’s not just for the elderly or seriously ill—it’s for anyone who wants to avoid confusion, conflict, or guilt among loved ones during a crisis.
What a Living Will Covers:
- Life support and resuscitation decisions (CPR, ventilation, etc.)
- Artificial nutrition or hydration
- Pain management and comfort care
- Organ donation preferences
- End-of-life care planning
- Medical power of attorney (when paired with one)
Local Experience You Can Trust
Washington has specific laws about how living wills must be written, signed, and witnessed. Some hospitals require very specific language to honor a directive. At Whalley Law, we’re familiar with the expectations of local healthcare systems and courts in Tacoma, Spokane Valley, King County, and Pierce County.
We don’t just fill out forms—we make sure your wishes are respected when it matters most.
Why Work With Whalley Law?
- Clarity: We break down Washington’s laws and make your options easy to understand.
- Customization: Your values, your decisions—we don’t believe in cookie-cutter documents.
- Local Insight: Our attorneys know how local hospitals and healthcare providers interpret these directives.
- Full Protection: We often draft living wills as part of a complete estate plan, including powers of attorney and health care proxies.
A living will addresses your medical care while you’re still alive but unable to communicate. A last will and testament handles the distribution of your assets after death. They’re both important, but they serve very different purposes.
Everyone over 18. Medical emergencies can happen unexpectedly. A living will ensures that your wishes are known and legally protected, no matter your age or health status.
No, but it must be either notarized or signed by two qualified adult witnesses. We’ll walk you through both options to make sure your document is valid.
Yes. You can update or revoke your living will at any time, as long as you’re mentally competent. We recommend reviewing it every few years or after major life events.
Yes, if it’s properly executed. Healthcare providers in Washington are required to honor valid advance directives. We make sure yours meets all state requirements.
Absolutely. A living will outlines your wishes, but a medical power of attorney gives someone the authority to speak on your behalf. We often draft both as part of a complete plan.