Turning Your Life Support Off

30 March 2020

Do you want your life support turned off?

A Living Will is a document of what your wishes are if you are ever in a critical life-ending condition. This has no legal effect and is not binding on your family or the medical condition. However, if you ever where in the situation where you were needed to be resusucitated or subject to ongoing treatment to a terminal disease. A Living Will states what your wishes are and what you wanted when you had the capacity to make that decision.

What is a Living Will?

A Living Will is simply a written record of your wishes. Although it has no legal effect and is not binding on your family or the medical profession, it states what you wish to happen should you suffer an accident or illness and you are on life support or in a serious condition.  

The Living Will can address such issues as resuscitation, treatment, prolonging of life; pain and distress relief and life support.  

What are the advantages of a Living Will?

A Living Will can address some of those issues that not all people want to talk about. It can give medical staff, your family, and loved ones a clear indication of what you would like to have happen to you should you be unlikely to recover or, if you do recover, if your quality of life will be adversely affected.  

You must be mentally capable and be in good health when you make a Living Will. This means that it is something that everyone should think about today as a serious accident or illness can occur at any time.

Do you need a Living Will?

Arrange a time to get a Living Will. Please note this article does not constitute legal advice and may be outdated. 

EMAIL US
A man is sitting on a couch using a laptop computer.

New Year life admin: today’s small tasks, tomorrow’s big problems

17 January 2025
Start the new year right! Learn how addressing small life admin tasks today can prevent bigger issues tomorrow. Practical tips for a fresh start.
An elderly man is holding two children on the beach.

Do grandparents have rights to see children?

27 November 2024
Curious if grandparents have legal rights to see their grandchildren in NZ? Discover the family law guidelines and steps to maintain a bond with your grandkids.
Share by: