Unlike most other states, in New York there is no state law recognizing living wills (and therefore there is no official form). The legal basis for living wills in New York stems from a court case where the judge determined a living will is valid if there is, “clear and convincing evidence” that it conveys the patient’s wishes and was completed during a time when the patient had capacity to make their own decisions. As there is no law to dictate the process for completing a living will to meet this requirement, this document is often created with the assistance of a lawyer.

An example living will can be found here and can be changed to be consistent with your wishes.

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How do I complete a living will?

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What is a living will?

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