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A Delaware Living Will is a document that allows a person to define their end-of-life care. The state of Delaware combines a healthcare directive form and a power of attorney form to create a living will. In this document, the Principal will define whether or not they will want to receive specific treatments such as blood transfusions, CPR, feeding tubes and any other types of treatments or tests that may prolong the dying process. These documents will also name an Agent who the Principal will appoint to ensure that these wishes are carried out. In Delaware, Title 16, Chapter 25 of the Delaware Code defines how these documents are implemented. These statutes have similar requirements to many other states in the sense that they require the Principal to be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. Furthermore, the document must be written, dated, and signed by at least two (2) witnesses. Delaware differs from some other states in the sense that it requires the Principal to be declared in terminal condition by way of written declaration from two (2) physicians before it takes effect.
The first step that the Principal must take when completing a living will is to provide their own information that will identify them and establish them as the Principal. This information will consist of their first and last name, their gender, full address, and telephone number. Next, the Principal will appoint his or her Advocate by providing the Advocate's full name, address, and phone number. If the Principal wishes to appoint an alternate Advocate who will act in case the primary Advocate is unavailable, he or she will provide the Alternate's information here. The following section will detail exactly what medical procedures the Principal will and will not consent to. This section will also cover other related information such as physician information as well as potential anatomical donations. Lastly, the document will be signed according to statutory standards. This means that the Principal will sign the living will in the presence of his or her two (2) witnesses who can provide in writing that there is nothing that disqualifies them from being a credible witness.