A Virginia living will also names a health care agent who will make your medical decisions for you. The appointment of an agent is an important aspect of the document. Without having appointed someone to make these decisions, a loved one would be appointed by law to make these decisions. It may not be someone you want to do this on your behalf. A Virginia living will must be signed by two witnesses. Once you complete your living will, you can place it on file with the Virginia Advance Directive Registry.
A Virginia living will is not the same as a power of attorney or a health care power of attorney. Even if either of these documents is durable, they cannot be used to make end-of-life decisions. For more information about how to use a power of attorney for decisions related to mental health, medical care, or personal property, seek legal advice.
§ 54.1-2981 through § 54.1-2993: A competent adult who is a Virginia resident can create a Virginia living will. After the document is created and executed, the declarant has the obligation of providing a copy of it to their physician so that it may be placed in their medical record for future reference.
When planning for the end of your life, you should also create a Virginia last will and testament so that decisions about your belongings and any minor children aren’t made by the probate court.