Although an advance directive doesn’t have to be in writing, it’s highly recommended that it is. Doctors will be extremely cautious about supporting verbal statements that have been reported to them by family members – for example, if you had once said something like “If I was ever in that state, I wouldn’t want to be kept alive.”
So while advance directives can be made verbally, it’s much better to put them in writing. It’s also a good idea to involve the doctor you’re most familiar with, usually your GP, when you make it. Involving your doctor has several advantages, such as:
providing a witness,
help ensure that you’re well-informed about the choices involved
help ensure your directive is specific and accurate enough to be legally effective, and
provide some protection from the possibility of any unfair pressure or influence from others.
It’s a good idea to review your advance directive from time to time, again with your doctor’s involvement.