Living Wills
Living Wills Attorney in Evansville, IN
Make Your Medical Wishes Known Before You’re Unable to Speak for Yourself
A living will—also known as an advance directive—is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical care if you become unable to communicate your decisions. While it can be difficult to think about such situations, having a living will in place ensures your voice is heard and your loved ones are not left guessing during a medical crisis.

At the law office of John Andrew Goodridge, we help clients throughout Evansville and the surrounding areas create clear, legally valid living wills. With over 30 years of experience in estate planning and healthcare directives, we’ll guide you through the process with compassion, clarity, and respect for your values.
What Is a Living Will?
A living will expresses your wishes for end-of-life care in situations where you are incapacitated and unable to speak for yourself. It can specify whether you want—or do not want—certain types of medical interventions, such as:
- Life-prolonging treatments (such as ventilators or feeding tubes)
- CPR or defibrillation
- Use of pain relief and palliative care
- Organ or tissue donation preferences
This document gives both your healthcare providers and your family guidance during emotionally challenging times.
Why You Need a Living Will
Creating a living will can:
- Prevent uncertainty and disagreements among family members
- Ensure your medical care aligns with your personal values and beliefs
- Reduce the burden on loved ones during medical emergencies
- Support your dignity and autonomy in end-of-life care
A living will is often used alongside a healthcare power of attorney, which names someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf.
How We Can Help
We assist with:
- Drafting and reviewing living wills
- Integrating advance directives into your overall estate plan
- Discussing how your choices may affect other legal documents
- Explaining the difference between a living will and other healthcare planning tools
- Ensuring your wishes are documented clearly and legally recognized
Our goal is to make this process straightforward and tailored to your individual concerns.
Serving Clients Across Southern Indiana
We provide estate planning and advance directive services to clients in Evansville, Boonville, Chandler, Cynthiana, Darmstadt, Fort Branch, Haubstadt, Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Petersburg, Princeton, Poseyville, Rockport, Wadesville, and surrounding communities. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Need Legal Help?
Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation and get the experienced legal support you need.
Practice Areas
Why Choose John Andrew Goodridge?
- Over 30 years of legal experience
- Proven track record in Indiana courts
- Focused, personalized attention on every case
- Clear communication and honest guidance
- Trusted by clients across Evansville and surrounding areas
- Strong trial experience and skilled negotiation
- Committed to protecting your rights and best interests
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a living will the same as a last will and testament?
No. A living will addresses your medical treatment preferences during life, while a last will and testament outlines how your assets are distributed after death.
Do I need a living will if I already have a healthcare power of attorney?
Yes. A living will provides specific instructions for care, while a healthcare power of attorney gives someone legal authority to make decisions. Both documents work together.
Can I change or revoke my living will?
Yes. You can update or cancel your living will at any time, as long as you are mentally competent. We recommend reviewing it every few years or after major life changes.
Who should have a copy of my living will?
Your healthcare provider, your named healthcare agent (if you have one), and close family members should all have a copy. We also suggest keeping one with your estate planning documents.
Does a living will need to be notarized in Indiana?
Indiana law allows a living will to be valid with two witnesses or a notary public. We’ll help ensure yours meets all legal requirements.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Case
If you're facing a legal challenge, don’t navigate it alone. John Andrew Goodridge, Attorney at Law, is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the best possible outcome. We proudly serve clients in Evansville and surrounding areas, including Boonville, Chandler, Cynthiana, Darmstadt, Fort Branch, Haubstadt, Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Petersburg, Princeton, Poseyville, Rockport, and Wadesville. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.
