As an estate planning attorney who has drafted hundreds of advance directives for Texas families over the past 12 years, I know how important it is to have a clear, legally compliant Texas living will in place. A living will (officially called a Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates in Texas) lets you state your wishes about life-sustaining treatment if you become terminally ill or irreversibly unconscious. In this comprehensive guide, I'll explain exactly what a living will in Texas is, who needs one, and—most importantly—provide you with a completely free Texas living will template you can download, print, and execute today.
In Texas, a living will is governed by Chapter 166 of the Texas Health and Safety Code (§§ 166.031–166.052). Unlike a medical power of attorney (which names someone to make decisions for you), a living will in Texas is your direct written instruction to doctors about whether you want life-sustaining procedures—such as mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, or dialysis—withheld or withdrawn when two physicians certify that you have a terminal or irreversible condition and death is imminent.
According to the Texas Health and Safety Code § 166.002(10), a “terminal condition” means an incurable condition that will produce death within six months, even with available life-sustaining treatment. An “irreversible condition” means you will never regain consciousness.
In my practice, the most common regret I hear is “I wish we had talked about this sooner.” Having worked with families during some of their hardest moments, I've seen firsthand how a properly executed Texas living will template removes guesswork and prevents heartbreaking disputes.
Texas law actually provides the exact wording you're allowed to use. The official Directive to Physicians form is found in Texas Health and Safety Code § 166.033. Below is the current 2025-compliant version that meets all statutory requirements.
Download your free printable living will Texas PDF here:
Click to Download Free Texas Living Will PDF (2025 Version)
| Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates (Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 166) |
|
I, ______________________________, being of sound mind and at least 18 years of age, willfully and voluntarily make this directive. If I am diagnosed with a terminal condition or an irreversible condition by two physicians, I direct that life-sustaining treatment be withheld or withdrawn, and that I be permitted to die naturally with only the administration of medication or procedures necessary to provide comfort or alleviate pain.
I understand this directive will remain in effect until I revoke it. This document was signed on _____/_____/2025 in the presence of two qualified witnesses or a notary public. Signature: ______________________________ Date: ____________ Witness 1 Signature: ____________________ Printed Name: ____________________ Witness 2 Signature: ____________________ Printed Name: ____________________ OR Notary Acknowledgment (optional but recommended) |
No. A living will applies only to terminal/irreversible conditions in any setting. An Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate (OOH-DNR) order is needed to prevent EMS from starting CPR if your heart stops at home.
No. The statutory form in § 166.033 is designed for self-completion. However, many of my clients combine it with a Medical Power of Attorney and HIPAA release for maximum protection.
Yes—anytime. Simply destroy all copies and complete a new one, or write “REVOKED” across the old document and tell your doctor.
Generally yes under § 166.004, but using the Texas-specific form eliminates any doubt.
After more than a decade helping Texas families, I can tell you that completing your free living will form Texas residents can use today is one of the kindest gifts you can give your loved ones. It takes less than 15 minutes and costs nothing, yet provides priceless peace of mind.
Important Disclaimer: The free Texas living will template and information provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. Laws change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult a licensed Texas attorney or your physician to ensure your advance directives fully reflect your wishes and comply with current law (sources: Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 166 – current as of November 2025 via statutes.capitol.texas.gov and IRS estate-tax cross-references where applicable).
Download your free printable living will Texas form now and take the first step toward protecting your family tomorrow.
```