Legal Information and Links
Attorney General of Washington - Consumer Protection Division
The Washington Attorney General maintains a website called Dealing with Death: A Guide to Understanding the Problems and Processes Surrounding a Death. The first part of the site concerns preparation for death and discusses Living Wills, organ donations and estate planning options. Part 1 includes a Health Care Directive form. The second part of the website deals with issues after death, including funerals.
Washington State Medical Association
This website contains information for patients on a variety of topics, including a section entitled Who Will Decide If You Can't. This section describes the role of Health Care Directives (Living Will), Durable Powers of Attorney, and Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
DSHS provides an online brochure entitled Your Legal Right to Make Decisions About Health Care and Advance Directives in Washington State. This brochure, which can also be ordered by mail, describes the concept of informed consent under Washington Law, as well as discussing Advance Directives, Durable Powers of Attorney, and organ and tissue donations.
Washington State Living Will Registry
The Washington State Living Will Registry stores your end-of-life preferences. Health care professionals can access the registry 24 hours a day whether you're in Washington or out of state. The registry contains vital treatment information and gives peace of mind to family members knowing you've communicated your health care wishes. It is free to Washington state residents, convenient, easy and accessible online.
Medicaid Cremation/Burial Fund form The state of Washington allows individuals eligible for Medicaid to set aside up to $1,500 in a special account for cremation or burial expenses, in addition to $2,000 in non-exempt assets. This form allows individuals to designate such funds for funeral purposes. For more information regarding this provision, see page 7, section F of the attached document produced by Columbia Legal Services.
Washington State Bar Association
The Washington State Bar Association publishes a variety of consumer brochures, including the following topics related to end-of-life concerns: Elder Law, Probate, Revokable Living Trusts, Wills and Trusts. In addition, another section of the WSBA website contains links to other law-related websites.
Lawyer Referral Service
The Washington State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service in counties throughout the state to assist you with finding a lawyer who is able to meet your particular legal needs.
Washington Law Help
Washington LawHelp is provided as a public service by the Northwest Justice Project in collaboration with other legal aid providers. It provides information and forms in several languages on a wide variety of legal issues affecting Washington state.
Senior Rights Assistance
A program through Senior Services of King County which provides information, forms and legal advice to seniors.
Honor My Wishes
A non-profit organization which provides a comprehensive binder of documents to assist individuals with organizing their legal, financial, health care and funeral affairs in preparation for end of life. The whole set is available for a suggested donation of $25.
Nolo Press
Publisher of legal information and forms that provides a variety of do-it-yourself legal resources for those who wish to handle their own legal affairs.
Washington Center for Health Statistics
Washington State Department of Health site for ordering copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates.
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