What is not required to draft a living will?

A living will is a legal document that allows an individual to outline their wishes regarding medical treatment in the event that they become unable to communicate those wishes themselves. The essence of this document is the autonomy it provides individuals in making decisions about their healthcare.

Involving an attorney is not a requirement for drafting a living will. While seeking legal advice can be beneficial to ensure that the document is valid and meets specific legal requirements, individuals can create a living will without the direct involvement of an attorney. Many jurisdictions allow individuals to complete these documents on their own, using standardized forms or templates, which enhances accessibility and empowers people to take control of their end-of-life decisions.

In contrast, having a witness to the document may be a legal requirement in some regions to prevent fraud and ensure that the will reflects the true wishes of the individual. Similarly, the presence of a healthcare professional is often useful for clarifying medical terms and implications of the decisions being made. A decision by a family member is not necessary since the individual’s own wishes are what the living will primarily reflects. Thus, involvement from an attorney is not mandatory, making it the correct answer.