Living Will Requirements in Missouri – Everything You Need to Know
Posted on: February 21st, 2025 by Chad Hill
Making healthcare decisions in advance can provide peace of mind and clarity for both you and your loved ones. A living will is a crucial legal document that ensures your healthcare wishes are followed if you are ever unable to communicate them yourself. In Missouri, having a legally sound living will can protect your autonomy and reduce stress for your family during critical moments.
At My Living Wishes, we simplify the process of creating and maintaining your living will. Our digital platform makes your directives easily accessible and adaptable without requiring costly legal fees.
This Article Will Address:
- What is a living will, and how does it function in Missouri?
- The legal requirements for creating a valid living will in Missouri.
- How to include specific instructions about life-prolonging treatments.
- Alternatives to a living will, such as a durable power of attorney.
- How My Living Wishes simplifies the process of creating and managing a living will.
What Is a Living Will, and How Does It Function in Missouri?
A living will is a written legal document that specifies your preferences for medical treatment in situations where you cannot communicate. In Missouri, it serves as a guideline for healthcare providers and loved ones to ensure your medical care aligns with your wishes.
When Does a Living Will Take Effect?
Your living will becomes effective when:
- You are diagnosed with a terminal condition and are unable to communicate.
- You are in a persistent vegetative state with no reasonable chance of recovery.
Difference Between a Living Will and a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
While a living will provides instructions for specific medical treatments, a durable power of attorney for healthcare designates a trusted individual to make medical decisions on your behalf. Many people choose to have both documents to ensure complete coverage of their healthcare wishes.
Why Should You Have a Living Will in Missouri?
Having a living will ensures that your medical care aligns with your values and desires. Key benefits include:
- Protecting Your Autonomy: Ensure that your healthcare choices are respected.
- Reducing Family Burden: Prevent loved ones from making difficult medical decisions without guidance.
- Avoiding Unwanted Medical Treatments: Specify which procedures you do or do not want.
- Providing Clear Documentation: Healthcare providers can follow your directives with confidence.
What Are the Legal Requirements to Create a Valid Living Will in Missouri?
To be legally valid in Missouri, a living will must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: You must be 18 years or older and of sound mind.
- Written Document: It must be signed and dated.
- Witnesses: Two adult witnesses are required, and they cannot be:
- Related by blood or marriage.
- Beneficiaries of your estate.
- Financially responsible for your healthcare costs.
- No Notary Required: Unless the document is part of a broader legal directive.
Can a Living Will Be Modified or Revoked in Missouri?
Yes! You can update or revoke your living will at any time, regardless of your physical or mental condition. Revocation methods include:
- Destroying the document physically.
- Creating a new living will that supersedes the old one.
- Orally revoking your wishes in the presence of a witness.
Can I Include Specific Instructions About Life-Prolonging Treatments in My Missouri Living Will?
Yes! Your living will allows you to outline preferences for various life-sustaining treatments, including:
- Artificial ventilation – Breathing machines for respiratory support.
- Tube feeding – Artificial nutrition and hydration.
- CPR resuscitation – Whether you want to be resuscitated in case of cardiac arrest.
- Dialysis – Life-sustaining kidney treatments.
- Palliative care vs. aggressive interventions – Choosing comfort-focused care over life-extending procedures.
With My Living Wishes, you can modify your preferences at any time to reflect changes in your beliefs or medical condition.
Alternatives to a Living Will in Missouri
While a living will is essential, you may also want to consider additional advance directives:
- Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare – Allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders – Instructs medical professionals not to perform CPR.
- POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) – Immediate directives for emergency responders and healthcare providers.
How to Create a Living Will With My Living Wishes
Creating a living will has never been easier with My Living Wishes. Our digital platform allows you to create, store, and update your healthcare directives in a secure and legally compliant way.
Why Choose My Living Wishes?
- No legal fees – A cost-effective way to create your living will.
- Always accessible and adaptive – Update your wishes anytime, anywhere.
- Reduces guilt and confusion – Provides clarity for family members and healthcare providers.
- Secure and legally compliant – Your documents are safely stored and readily available when needed.
What Happens if I Don’t Have a Living Will?
Without a living will, your family members or a court-appointed guardian will make critical medical decisions for you. This can:
- Lead to unwanted medical treatments.
- Cause disagreements among family members.
- Create unnecessary emotional and financial stress.
How Do I Make Sure My Living Will Is Honored?
To ensure your wishes are respected:
- Store your living will in a safe, accessible location.
- Provide copies to your healthcare provider and designated healthcare agent.
- Use My Living Wishes to securely store and share your directives online.
Secure Your Healthcare Future with a Living Will
Having a legally sound living will in Missouri ensures that your medical care aligns with your values and relieves your family of difficult decisions. At My Living Wishes, we make the process simple, accessible, and secure. Take control of your healthcare decisions today. Get started now with My Living Wishes and ensure your medical wishes are honored when it matters most.
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