How to make a living will in France and who needs to know about it

In France, a living will, known as directives anticipées, is a legal document that allows you to express your preferences for medical treatment if you become seriously ill or injured and are unable to communicate your wishes. 

This document ensures that your voice is heard, even if you can no longer speak for yourself.

It can include decisions about life-sustaining treatment, such as whether you wish to be placed on artificial respiration, moved to intensive care, undergo surgeries, or instead receive palliative care aimed at easing suffering, even if it may shorten your life. 

French doctors are legally required to respect these wishes unless they believe them to be clearly inappropriate for your medical condition, or if the situation is so urgent that there is no time to consult the document.

Who is consulted if you do not have one?

If you do not have a living will, medical professionals will turn to your designated personne de confiance – a trusted person you have named to make health-related decisions on your behalf. 

If you have not named anyone, they will consult with your close family or friends.

How to write a living will in France

Creating a living will is simple but must meet certain requirements. It needs to include your full name, date and place of birth, and be dated and signed. 

If you are unable to write or sign the document, it can be validated in the presence of two witnesses.

An official template is available which also provides more information and guidance to fill it in.

There are two versions of the living will template: one for individuals in good health, and one for those already living with a serious illness. 

While the law does not specifically require the document to be written in French, it is strongly recommended, as French healthcare professionals may not be able to understand a version written in English, particularly in emergencies. 

Your GP can assist you in writing it, and it is advised to follow the official template format when possible.

Who can make one

Any adult can make a living will in France however, if the person making the living will is under legal guardianship (sous tutelle), additional steps are needed. 

In this case, authorisation must be obtained either from a judge or from the designated family group responsible for making decisions for the person (conseil de famille).

Where to store your living will

Once your living will is complete, it is important to let family know about it and store it somewhere easily accessible. 

You can give a copy to your GP, your personne de confiance or another family member, your retirement home, or the hospital if you become hospitalised. 

If you use the French shared medical record system (dossier médical partagé), it is wise to upload a copy there too.

Can it be changed?

Yes – your living will can be updated or revoked at any time. 

In any situation where you are gravely ill, doctors are required by law to check for the existence of a living will before making major medical decisions.