Advance Decisions (Living Wills) in Poole, Bournemouth & Christchurch
Advance Decisions allow you to record your wishes about refusing specific medical treatments in certain circumstances if you’re ever unable to make those decisions yourself.
About Advance Decisions
An Advance Decision, sometimes known as a Living Will, allows you to record your wishes about refusing specific medical treatments in certain circumstances should you lose the mental capacity to make those decisions yourself.
Unlike a Lasting Power of Attorney, which appoints someone else to make decisions on your behalf, an Advance Decision sets out your own choices in advance. Many people choose to have both documents in place as part of their wider future planning.
Brooks Wills provides clear, straightforward guidance to help you understand your options and prepare an Advance Decision that reflects your personal wishes.
Why Choose Us?
Make Your Wishes Known
Record your preferences for future medical treatment in advance.
Support Your Loved Ones
Help reduce uncertainty by clearly documenting your decisions.
Stay in Control
Express your own choices about future treatment while you have capacity.
Complement Your LPA
An Advance Decision can work alongside a Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney.
Provide Clarity
Give healthcare professionals clear guidance if difficult decisions arise.
Peace of Mind
Knowing your wishes have been recorded can provide reassurance for both you and your family.
How the Process Works
We aim to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
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Initial Consultation
We discuss your circumstances and explain what an Advance Decision can and cannot do.
Advice & Suggestions
We’ll explain your options in plain English and answer any questions.
Document Preparation
We prepare your Advance Decision carefully to reflect your wishes.
Review & Amendments
You’ll have the opportunity to review the document before signing.
Signing & Witnessing
We’ll guide you through signing and discuss who should receive copies.
Future Reviews
If your circumstances or wishes change, we can help you review your document.
Still have a question?
We’re here to help. Get in touch for friendly, plain-English advice.
Related Services
We provide the following services, among others. See our services page for more information
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.
Client Testimonials
FAQs
Answers to some of the questions we are commonly asked.
What is an Advance Decision?
An Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment is a legal document that allows you to refuse specific medical treatments in certain circumstances if you lose the mental capacity to make or communicate those decisions yourself.
Is an Advance Decision the same as a Living Will?
Yes. “Living Will” is the commonly used term for an Advance Decision. Both describe the same legal document under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Is an Advance Decision legally binding?
Yes, provided it meets the legal requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and clearly sets out the treatments you wish to refuse and the circumstances in which the refusal applies.
Can I have both an Advance Decision and an LPA?
Yes. An Advance Decision records your own treatment wishes, while a Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf where appropriate.
Can I change my Advance Decision?
Yes. You can amend or cancel your Advance Decision at any time, provided you still have the mental capacity to make your own decisions.
Who should have a copy?
It’s sensible to ensure your GP, healthcare professionals, attorneys, close family and anyone involved in your care knows your Advance Decision exists and where a copy can be found.
Does an Advance Decision cover all medical treatment?
No. It only applies to the specific treatments and circumstances you choose to include. It does not allow you to request treatments or refuse basic comfort and care.
Can Brooks Wills prepare my Advance Decision?
Yes. We’ll explain your options in plain English, prepare your document to reflect your wishes and ensure you understand how it works alongside other planning documents.
Still have a question?
We’re here to help. Get in touch for friendly, plain-English advice.
Get in Contact Today
Planning ahead today can provide reassurance for both you and the people closest to you.