📅 2026 Update: Changes in Living Wills in Missouri

Since the original article was written, there have been several important updates regarding living wills and related services. These changes affect how individuals can prepare and manage their living wills, especially in Missouri and surrounding states. The earlier article continues further down the page for more detailed information on living wills.

🏥 Changes in State Laws

As of October 2026, some states have adopted laws allowing electronic wills, known as e-wills. This includes states like Arizona and Florida, which have specific statutes for e-wills. While Missouri has not yet enacted e-will legislation, it’s important for residents to stay informed about potential future updates.

📝 State-Specific Forms Available

USLegalForms.com offers living will forms specific to Missouri, as well as many other states. These forms help ensure that the living wills comply with local laws. It’s vital to use state-specific forms to avoid issues with validity.

⏳ Processing Times

Processing times for obtaining and completing living will forms can vary. Individuals should check with local resources or legal professionals to get accurate timelines. This is crucial to ensure that the living will is completed in time, especially for healthcare needs.

📜 Free Resources

Many state health departments offer free resources for creating living wills. Nonprofit organizations like the American Bar Association also provide assistance. These resources can be helpful for those who may not have the budget for paid services.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • Electronic wills are becoming more common, with several states adopting e-will laws.
  • State-specific forms are available through resources like USLegalForms.com.
  • Processing times can vary; check local resources for specifics.
  • Free resources are offered by state health departments and nonprofits.
  • Stay informed about updates to living will laws in your state.

💡 Tips for Creating a Living Will

Review the details of your situation with an attorney to ensure your living will meets all legal requirements.

🏥 Understand Your Medical Preferences

Take time to think about the medical treatments you want or do not want. This clarity will help in creating a document that accurately reflects your wishes.

📝 Use Official Forms

Always use state-specific living will forms. This ensures that your document complies with Missouri's laws and requirements.

⏳ Keep It Updated

Regularly review and update your living will. Major life events, such as marriage or health changes, may require adjustments to your document.

📜 Inform Family and Agents

Make sure your family members and healthcare agent know where your living will is stored. Clear communication can help ensure your wishes are honored.

📌 Store Securely

Keep your living will in a safe but accessible place. This way, it can be easily located during a medical emergency.

🏆 Living Will Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section reviews legal document services related to living wills. These services help with the creation and management of living wills, ensuring they meet legal standards. The ranking is based on Trustpilot data as of October 2026.

Ratings can change over time, and star ratings are just one indication of quality since unhappy customers tend to leave more reviews.

🥇 1. TotalLegal

TotalLegal holds a Trustpilot score of 4.6. It is known for providing affordable legal document services and a user-friendly platform. However, some users report issues with document formatting, which could affect the final product.

🥈 2. LegalZoom

LegalZoom has a Trustpilot score of 4.6. It offers a range of online legal services, including living wills and trusts. Users appreciate its comprehensive offerings, but some have mentioned delays in document processing, which could be a concern for time-sensitive situations.

🥉 3. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer has a score of 4.5. It is recognized for its online legal document creation and affordable legal services. However, users note that its subscription model may not be suitable for everyone, especially those seeking single-document solutions.

4️⃣ FreeWill

FreeWill boasts a perfect Trustpilot score of 5.0. It is known for free online will creation and the ability to include charitable bequests. However, its features are limited to basic will creation, which may not suit all users’ needs.

5️⃣ Quicken Willmaker

Quicken Willmaker holds a score of 4.5. This service offers estate planning software, including customized wills and trusts. Users report that the software may require updates to stay compliant with state-specific laws, which is something to keep in mind.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Resources

Many state health departments provide free resources and forms for creating living wills. Nonprofit organizations like the American Bar Association can also offer assistance, making it easier for individuals to create valid living wills without incurring high costs.

🔎 Comparing Living Will Services

  • 📄 Check for state-specific forms offered.
  • ⏳ Look at processing times for document completion.
  • 💰 Consider cost options, including free services.
  • 📊 Review customer feedback for potential issues.
  • 🔒 Evaluate security measures for storing your documents.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❔ What should I include in my living will?

Your living will should include your preferences for medical treatments and end-of-life care. It's important to be clear and specific about what you want and do not want.

📅 How often should I update my living will?

You should review and update your living will periodically, especially after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, or major health changes.

🏛️ Is my living will valid in other states?

A living will created in one state may not be valid in another due to different laws and requirements. It is best to create a new living will that meets the laws of your current state.

📝 Can I revoke my living will?

Yes, you can revoke your living will at any time. Notify your healthcare provider and family members, and ensure you destroy all copies of the document.

📜 What resources are available for drafting a living will?

Many state health departments and nonprofit organizations offer free resources and forms for creating living wills. These can be valuable for those who prefer not to use paid services.

💻 Are electronic wills allowed in Missouri?

As of October 2026, Missouri does not have specific laws for electronic wills. However, several states have adopted e-will legislation, and it's essential to stay updated on potential changes.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Living Wills

Recent court rulings have shaped the landscape of living wills and their enforcement. Understanding these cases can help clarify how living wills are treated in legal settings.

For more recent rulings, feel free to browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






 



A living will is a document stating the wishes of a person in case they become terminally ill or are otherwise incapacitated and unable to make medical decisions. Missouri’s laws regarding living wills are much stricter than most states. Any living will that is drafted must include a paragraph of language that cannot be customized. This paragraph states:



 

Living Will Missouri


 



• That the person signing the will is authorized to make their own medical decisions



 



 



• That the living will is meant for friends, family and any physicians



 



 



• That if they are struck with a terminal condition, they do not want the dying process to be artificially prolonged



 



 



• That no actions which deliberately speed up death have been authorized



 



 



Such documents do not authorize withholding artificial nutrition or hydration provided through tubes.



 



 



Any person 18 or older may create a living will. Because of the strict limitations surrounding a living will, many people in Missouri may choose to instead create an “advance directive.” This kind of document allows much more specificity in dictating which kind of treatments are to be withheld in specific medical situations. The state of Missouri provides a standardized six-page advance directive form anyone may complete.



 



 



In order for a living will or advance directive to take effect, two physicians must agree that the patient is terminally ill and close to dying. Some of the areas these documents may cover include:



 



 



• Artificial respiration



 



 



• CPR 



 



 



• Artificial nutrition or hydration



 



 



• Dialysis



 



 



• Chemotherapy



 



 



• Antibiotics



 



 



In the body of this document, it is also possible to specify whether you wish for any of your organs to be donated after death to a person in need. This is known as an “anatomical gift.”



 



 



No attorney is necessary to draw up this kind of advance directive. A living will or advance directive may be typed or handwritten. It must be signed by two witnesses who cannot be related to the person outlining their wishes. Alternatively, a notary public may sign the document.



 



 



After the living will or advance directive is drawn up, it is legally binding. Patients who are of sound health may revoke it at any time, either by destroying the documents, drafting a new form or orally. It is advisable to make sure this document is easily accessible. You may want to give a copy to your physician or carry one on your person at all times in case of accident.



 



 



Along with the medical procedures to be followed, an advance directive may contain the following statements:



 



 



• A description of what the person signing feels to be the minimum quality of life to continue medical treatment



 



 



• Instructions about any religious procedures to be followed



 



 



• Messages for friends and family



 



 



Unlike a living will, advance directives can be customized greatly depending on the wishes of the person completing it. Because there are so many variables, it may be advisable to consult with a lawyer if your advance directive becomes complicated.