Living Will/Download a Living Will
Condell Hospice Legal Assistance Center

Living will (also called a "declaration") is a document you sign that states that you do not want your physician to use death-delaying procedures if you develop a terminal condition.

Any competent person at least 18 years old may create a living will. The easiest way to create a living will is to fill out and sign the Living Will Declaration contained in the Illinois Living Will Act. It must be signed by you, or another person at your direction, in the presence of two witnesses. Anyone at least 18 years old who is not entitled to inherit from your estate or financially responsible for your medical care can witness the signing of your living will.

A living will takes effect when a physician certifies that you have a terminal condition.

If I have a living will, can I still receive pain medication?

Yes, your physician can provide you with pain medication or other care to make you comfortable.

What happens if I have a living will and a terminal illness and I am pregnant?

A living will does not take effect as long as the attending physician believes the fetus could develop to the point of live birth if death-delaying procedures are used for the mother.

For more information click here or call your attorney or one of the following:

Patient Representative - Condell Medical Center (847) 990-5443

The Illinois Department On Aging, (1-800-252-8966)

The Illinois Attorney General (1-800-252-2518)

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