Living Will in West Virginia
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
West Virginia requires living wills signed by you and two witnesses; witnesses cannot be related to you or have financial interest.
How West Virginia treats Living Will
West Virginia recognizes living wills under its Health Care Decisions Act. Your document must be signed in the presence of two adult witnesses who are not your spouse, blood relatives, or beneficiaries of your estate, and who do not have a direct financial interest in your medical care decisions. The state honors your wishes about life-sustaining treatment, including artificial nutrition and hydration, when you lack decision-making capacity.
The general definition of Living Will
A document stating your wishes about life-sustaining medical treatment if you become unable to communicate.
A living will (also called an advance directive) is a written statement of your medical preferences if you're ever in a coma, terminal illness, or unable to speak for yourself. You can specify whether you want life support, feeding tubes, or resuscitation. Doctors and family members use it to make decisions that honor your values when you cannot.
Read the full Living Will entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.