As an estate planning attorney who has drafted hundreds of advance directives for Illinois residents over the past decade, I’ve seen firsthand how a properly executed living will in Illinois can spare families unimaginable heartache during medical crises. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide you with a completely free, up-to-date Illinois living will form that complies with the Illinois Living Will Act (755 ILCS 35/), explain every section in plain English, and walk you through proper execution so your wishes are legally binding.
Download your free Illinois living will form PDF here: Free Illinois Living Will Template 2025 (PDF)
A living will in Illinois (officially called a “Declaration”) is a legal document that tells your doctors whether you want life-sustaining treatment withheld or withdrawn if you are in a terminal condition and unable to communicate. Unlike a health care power of attorney, which names an agent to make decisions, the Illinois living will speaks directly for you in three specific situations:
Source: Illinois Living Will Act – 755 ILCS 35/ and Illinois Department on Aging
Illinois has very specific statutory requirements for a valid living will:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be 18 or older |
| Sound Mind | Must be of sound mind when signing |
| Written Document | Must be in writing |
| Witnesses | Two witnesses aged 18+ who are not related and have no claim on your estate |
| Notarization | Not required (but recommended if combining with health care POA) |
Illinois does not accept oral living wills or video recordings.
I’ve prepared the exact statutory form updated for 2025 compliance. This living will form Illinois free version contains the precise language required by 755 ILCS 35/3.
Download Links:
Here’s exactly what each section means and how to fill it out correctly:
Opening Statement
“I, ____________________, being of sound mind, willfully and voluntarily make this declaration…”
→ Write your full legal name exactly as it appears on your driver’s license.
Paragraph 1 – Terminal Condition
This is the core directive. You can choose to:
Most of my clients select the first option for maximum control.
Pregnancy Clause
Illinois law automatically suspends your living will if you are pregnant. You may add language to override this, but I strongly recommend consulting an attorney before doing so.
Signature and Date
You must sign in front of two qualified witnesses. The witnesses then complete their section.
Step-by-step process I give every client:
In my practice, these are the top errors I see:
While the living will only covers end-of-life terminal situations, the Illinois Power of Attorney for Health Care lets your agent make all other medical decisions. I always recommend completing both documents together.
Free combined template: Illinois Living Will + Health Care Power of Attorney Combo Form
Do I need an attorney to create a living will in Illinois?
No. The statutory form is designed for self-completion. However, complex family situations or large estates often benefit from attorney review.
Does Illinois recognize living wills from other states?
Generally yes, if they substantially comply with Illinois law, but using the Illinois-specific form eliminates uncertainty.
Can I change my mind after signing?
Absolutely. You can revoke your living will at any time by destroying all copies or signing a written revocation.
Is the Illinois living will form different from a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order?
Yes. The living will applies only to terminal conditions. A separate POLST or Illinois DNR form is needed for immediate resuscitation instructions.
After helping thousands of Illinois families through end-of-life situations, I can tell you this with certainty: the conversation is always harder than the paperwork. Completing your Illinois living will form today—while you’re healthy and thinking clearly—is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones.
Download your free, attorney-reviewed living will Illinois template above, fill it out this weekend, and sleep better knowing your wishes will be honored.
Disclaimer: This article and the provided living will form Illinois free template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult with a qualified Illinois attorney or estate planning professional to ensure your advance directives fully protect your interests.
Updated: November 2025