Advance Decisions to Refuse Treatment
Clear, professional guidance on recording treatments you would wish to refuse if you could not make or communicate the decision yourself in the future.
An Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment is often shortened to ADRT. It is also sometimes called a living will, although ADRT is the clearer legal term in England and Wales.
Make your wishes clearer while you can express them
An ADRT allows an adult with mental capacity to decide in advance that they wish to refuse a specified medical treatment in particular future circumstances.
It is intended for a time when you are unable to make or communicate the relevant decision yourself. The treatments being refused and the circumstances in which the refusal should apply need to be described clearly.
A valid and applicable ADRT can be legally binding. That means healthcare professionals may need to follow it in the same way as a refusal made by someone who currently has capacity.
An ADRT can help make your wishes clearer for your family and healthcare team, particularly where difficult treatment decisions may otherwise need to be made without knowing what you would have wanted.
When might you consider making or reviewing an ADRT?
You have clear views about particular medical treatments.
You want those wishes recorded in case you later lack capacity.
You have received a diagnosis that may affect future decision-making.
You are reviewing your wider later-life arrangements.
You are putting a Health and Welfare LPA in place.
You already have a living will or older advance directive that needs reviewing.
Your health, beliefs or treatment preferences have changed.
You want your family and healthcare team to have clearer information.
An ADRT is a significant document. The wording must reflect the particular treatment and circumstances you have considered, so individual guidance and appropriate clinical discussion can be important.
ADRT support tailored to your circumstances
Every person’s health, values and wishes are different. Brooks Wills helps you understand the purpose of an ADRT and record your decisions as clearly as possible.
Understanding what an ADRT does
Clear guidance on when an ADRT may apply and how it differs from other planning documents.
Identifying specific treatments
Helping you consider which treatments you wish to refuse rather than relying on broad or uncertain wording.
Recording relevant circumstances
Clarifying the situations in which you want a particular refusal to apply.
Life-sustaining treatment
Explaining the additional formal requirements where an ADRT is intended to refuse life-sustaining treatment.
Reviewing an existing document
Checking whether an older living will or ADRT still reflects your current wishes and circumstances.
ADRTs and Health and Welfare LPAs
Helping you understand how an ADRT may interact with the authority given to attorneys under a Health and Welfare LPA.
Sharing your decision
Considering who should have a copy and how your healthcare team and family can be made aware of it.
Updating or withdrawing an ADRT
Explaining how your arrangements can be reviewed if your wishes or circumstances change.
How the Process Works
We aim to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
Initial Consultation
We get to know your circumstances, concerns and the wishes you would like to discuss.
2
Advice & Suggestions
We explain what an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT) can and cannot do, including how it differs from a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney.
3
Document Preparation
We prepare your ADRT carefully, ensuring your treatment refusals and the circumstances in which they apply are clearly recorded.
4
Review & Amendments
We review the document together, answer any questions and make any changes before it is finalised.
5
Signing & Witnessing
We guide you through the correct signing requirements and explain how to keep your ADRT available to those who may need it.
6
Ongoing Support
If your wishes or circumstances change, we can help you review and update your ADRT so it continues to reflect your intentions.
Still have a question?
We’re here to help. Get in touch for friendly, plain-English advice.
Why people choose Brooks Wills
Local & Trusted
Brooks Wills provides clear, sensitive guidance on Advance Decisions to Refuse Treatment for individuals and families across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and wider Dorset.
Tailored to You
Every person's wishes and circumstances are unique. Your ADRT should accurately reflect the treatments you wish to refuse and the situations in which those decisions should apply.
Simple Process
We explain how ADRTs work in plain English, helping you understand your options and prepare your document with confidence.
Peace of Mind
Recording your treatment wishes clearly can provide reassurance for you and help guide those closest to you if difficult decisions ever need to be made.
Related Services
Will Writing
Drafting your Last Will and Testament and overseeing its execution.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Helping you appoint trusted people to make decisions if you are no longer able to do so yourself.
Deputyship Application
Helping families apply to the Court of Protection when a loved one has lost mental capacity and no Lasting Power of Attorney is in place.
Related Guides
Find plain-English guidance on wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and later-life planning, written for individuals and families across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and wider Dorset.
Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney Before Retirement: A Plain-English Guide for Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch
A plain-English guide to wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney before retirement for families in Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some of the questions we are commonly asked.
What is an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT)?
An Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT) is a legal document that allows you to record treatments you would wish to refuse in specific circumstances if you were unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself in the future.
It only applies to the treatments and situations you have clearly identified and must meet the legal requirements set out in the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Is an ADRT the same as a living will?
Yes. The term living will is commonly used, but Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT) is the legal term used in England and Wales.
Using the correct legal terminology can help avoid confusion and ensure your wishes are recorded as clearly as possible.
Can I use an ADRT to request treatment?
No. An ADRT can only be used to refuse specific medical treatments in defined circumstances.
If you want to express your wider wishes, beliefs or preferences about future care, these can often be recorded separately in an Advance Statement, which is different from an ADRT.
What is the difference between an ADRT and a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney?
An ADRT allows you to make decisions in advance about treatments you wish to refuse.
A Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to appoint trusted people (known as attorneys) to make certain health and care decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.
Because these documents can interact, it is important to consider them together when planning for the future.
Can I change or cancel my ADRT?
Yes. As long as you have mental capacity, you can review, update or withdraw your ADRT if your wishes or circumstances change.
It is also sensible to let your family, healthcare professionals and anyone holding a copy know if you make changes.
Does an ADRT need to be signed and witnessed?
Yes, if it includes a refusal of life-sustaining treatment, additional legal requirements apply. It must be in writing, signed, witnessed and include a clear statement confirming that the decision applies even if your life is at risk.
Even where these additional requirements do not apply, it is important that an ADRT is prepared carefully so your wishes are clear and legally effective.
Ready to record your treatment wishes?
Planning ahead isn’t just about making a will or arranging Lasting Powers of Attorney. An Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment can help ensure your wishes about specific medical treatment are clearly recorded should there come a time when you are unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself.
Brooks Wills provides clear, professional guidance to help you understand whether an ADRT is appropriate for your circumstances and how it may fit alongside your wider later-life planning.