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AI Generated British Advance Decision
PDF & Word - 2026 Updated

Generate your personalised Advance Decision (living will) using our advanced AI tool tailored for UK residents, ensuring your medical treatment preferences are legally documented and respected.
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Example of a Advance Decision for use in the United Kingdom</b> generated by our AI model.
Example Advance Decision Produced by Docaro

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When do you need an Advance Decision in the United Kingdom?

If you become seriously ill
An Advance Decision lets you specify in advance what medical treatments you do or do not want if a serious illness leaves you unable to communicate your wishes.
During loss of mental capacity
It ensures your healthcare choices are respected even if you lose the ability to make decisions due to conditions like dementia or a coma.
To avoid unwanted treatments
This document helps prevent doctors from giving you treatments that go against your personal beliefs or values when you're not able to speak up.
For peace of mind
Having a clear Advance Decision reduces stress for your loved ones by guiding medical teams on your preferences during tough times.
Why a well-drafted one matters
A properly prepared document is legally binding and clear, making sure your wishes are followed without confusion or disputes.

British Legal Rules for an Advance Decision

What it is
An advance decision is a way for you to set out your choices about medical treatments you do not want if you lose the ability to decide later.
When it applies
It only takes effect if you cannot make or communicate your own decisions due to illness or injury.
What it can cover
You can refuse life-sustaining treatments like ventilation or resuscitation, but not request specific treatments.
Signing requirements
You must sign it when you are 18 or over and have the mental capacity to understand what you're deciding.
Witness needed
It should be witnessed by someone who is not involved in your care to confirm it's your genuine choice.
Making it valid
For refusals of life-sustaining treatment, it must be in writing, signed, and clearly state your wishes.
Doctor's role
Doctors must check if it's valid, applicable, and your wishes haven't changed before following it.
Revoking it
You can change or cancel it anytime as long as you have the capacity to do so.
Legal protection
Following a valid advance decision gives doctors the same protection as if you refused treatment yourself.
Not legally binding in all cases
If there's doubt about its validity or your current wishes, doctors may need to seek a court's view.
Important

Using the wrong structure for a living will may result in your medical wishes not being legally enforceable.

What a Proper Advance Decision Should Include

  • Your Specific Refusals
    Clearly state the medical treatments or life-sustaining interventions you do not want, such as refusing artificial feeding or ventilation.
  • Conditions for Refusal
    Describe any situations or diagnoses where your refusals apply, like only if you're in a permanent vegetative state.
  • Your Personal Details
    Include your full name, date of birth, address, and the date you made the decision to confirm it's yours.
  • Witness Confirmation
    Have at least one independent witness sign to verify that you made the decision voluntarily and understood it.
  • Signature and Date
    Sign and date the document yourself to make it legally valid and show it's current.
  • Mental Capacity Statement
    Confirm that you have the mental ability to make this decision at the time of writing.

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Why Use Docaro?

Fast Generation
Quickly generate a comprehensive Advance Decision, eliminating the hassle and time associated with traditional document drafting.
Guided Process
Our user-friendly platform guides you step by step through each section of the document, providing context and guidance to ensure you provide all the necessary information for a complete and accurate Advance Decision.
Safer Than Legal Templates
We never use legal templates. All documents are generated from first principles clause by clause, ensuring that your document is bespoke and tailored specifically to the information you provide. This results in a much safer and more accurate document than any legal template could provide.
Professionally Formatted
Your Advance Decision will be formatted to professional standards, including headings, clause numbers and structured layout. No further editing is required. Download your document in PDF, Microsoft Word, TXT or HTML.
Tailored to British Law
Our AI model considers the latest legal standards and regulations of the United Kingdom during the drafting process.
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Free Example Advance Decision Template

Below is a free template example of a Advance Decision for use in the United Kingdom generated by our AI model.

The clauses in your actual Advance Decision will vary from this example as they will be entirely bespoke to your requirements as set out in the questionnaire you complete.

Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment

1
INTRODUCTION

1.1

This Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment is made by John Michael Smith of 123 High Street, Anytown, Berkshire, AB12 3CD.

1.2

John Michael Smith hereby declares that the following refusals of treatment reflect his wishes and should be treated as a valid and binding advance decision under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

1.3

This document is governed by the law of England and Wales and is intended to be legally binding in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its Code of Practice.

1.4

John Michael Smith confirms that he is aged 18 or over.

2
DETAILS OF THE MAKER

2.1

The full legal name of the maker of this Advance Decision is John Michael Smith.

2.2

The date of birth of the maker is 15 June 1980.

2.3

The current residential address of the maker is 123 High Street, Anytown, Berkshire, AB12 3CD.

3
SPECIFIC TREATMENTS REFUSED

3.1

I, John Michael Smith, refuse consent to the administration of life-sustaining treatment such as mechanical ventilation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation even if my life is at risk if I lack capacity to make decisions regarding such treatment.

3.2

I, John Michael Smith, refuse consent to the provision of artificial nutrition and hydration via tubes even if my life is at risk if I lack capacity to make decisions regarding such treatment.

3.3

I, John Michael Smith, refuse consent to antibiotics even if my life is at risk if I lack capacity to make decisions regarding such treatment.

3.4

I, John Michael Smith, refuse consent to dialysis even if my life is at risk if I lack capacity to make decisions regarding such treatment.

3.5

I, John Michael Smith, refuse consent to blood transfusions even if my life is at risk if I lack capacity to make decisions regarding such treatment.

4
CIRCUMSTANCES AND CONDITIONS

4.1

The refusals set out in section 3 of this Advance Decision shall apply in the following circumstances if I lack capacity to make the specific decision at the time: terminal illness where recovery is unlikely; permanent unconsciousness or coma with no prospect of recovery; severe dementia with no prospect of recovery.

5
CAPACITY AND UNDERSTANDING

5.1

John Michael Smith confirms that he has the mental capacity to make this Advance Decision on the date of its execution.

5.2

John Michael Smith understands that this Advance Decision may lead to his death or the worsening of his condition by refusing treatment.

5.3

John Michael Smith confirms that he is making this Advance Decision entirely of his own free will without any pressure from others.

5.4

John Michael Smith confirms that he has been made aware of the option to create a Lasting Power of Attorney for health and welfare.

6
REVOCATION OF PREVIOUS DECISIONS

6.1

John Michael Smith hereby revokes all previous advance decisions that he has made.

6.2

This Advance Decision shall not revoke any existing health and welfare lasting power of attorney which shall remain in effect.

6.3

No property and financial lasting power of attorney exists in respect of John Michael Smith.

6.4

No welfare deputyship exists in respect of John Michael Smith.

7
LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY

7.1

No health and welfare Lasting Power of Attorney has been made. If one exists or is made in the future, it takes precedence where applicable.

8
NON-BINDING WISHES AND PREFERENCES

8.0

The following are non-binding wishes and preferences. They are not legally binding refusals of treatment and do not form part of the Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment.

8.1

John Michael Smith wishes for full family involvement in all discussions regarding his care decisions.

8.2

John Michael Smith wishes for maximum privacy during medical examinations and treatments.

8.3

John Michael Smith wishes to receive care at home if possible.

8.4

John Michael Smith wishes for pain relief to be the highest priority in his care even if it shortens life.

8.5

John Michael Smith wishes for healthcare professionals to communicate with him by providing written materials.

9
DURATION AND REVIEW

9.1

John Michael Smith wishes to review this Advance Decision at regular intervals.

9.2

John Michael Smith understands that this Advance Decision has no automatic expiry date and remains valid indefinitely unless revoked.

10
LEGAL VALIDITY AND COMPLIANCE

10.1

John Michael Smith intends for this document to be a valid Advance Decision under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (sections 24-26).

10.2

This Advance Decision is intended to apply in England and Wales only.

This example shows approximately 70% of a typical document and is provided for illustrative purposes only. The remaining content has been omitted.

Every document generated by Docaro is tailored to your specific circumstances, jurisdiction and the information you provide. The completed document includes all applicable clauses and provisions required for your situation.

To generate the full, personalised document, answer a short series of questions and your document will be created instantly.

Useful Resources When Considering a Advance Decision in the United Kingdom

Future care planning
NHSINFORM.SCOT
Eatwell Guide: How to eat a healthy balanced diet
NHSINFORM.SCOT
The vegan diet
NHS.UK
Guidance on direct payments for healthcare
ENGLAND.NHS.UK
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United Kingdom Reference Legislation

The following legislation is relevant to the generation of a Advance Decision in the United Kingdom:
•
Mental Capacity Act 2005
This primary legislation governs the assessment of mental capacity, best interests decision-making, and the validity of advance decisions to refuse treatment (which form the basis of a 'living will' in the UK). It allows individuals to make binding advance decisions about medical treatment if they lack capacity later.
•
Mental Capacity Act 2005 (Code of Practice)
The official code provides detailed guidance on applying the Act, including how to create and apply advance decisions to refuse treatment, ensuring they are valid and applicable.
•
Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended)
This Act regulates the treatment of individuals with mental disorders and interacts with advance decisions under the Mental Capacity Act, particularly regarding refusals of treatment for mental health conditions.
•
Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
Applicable in Scotland, this Act provides for continuing and welfare powers of attorney and advance directives, equivalent to living wills, for adults who may lose capacity.

Advance Decision FAQs

An Advance Decision, also known as a living will, is a legal document in the United Kingdom that allows you to specify your preferences for medical treatment in advance. It ensures that your wishes are respected if you lose the mental capacity to make decisions about your healthcare, such as refusing life-sustaining treatments.
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Document Generation FAQs

Docaro is an AI-powered legal and corporate document generator that helps you create fully formatted, legal contracts and agreements in minutes. Just answer a few guided questions and download your document instantly.
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