In this section we look at preparing legal documents.
Learn more about:
- Overview
- Making an Advance Care Directive
- Appointing a substitute decision-maker
- Making a will
- Documents used for advanced cancer planning
- Voluntary assisted dying
Overview
If you have not already done so, now is the time to think about appointing a substitute decision-maker, preparing an advance care directive and making a will.
For any of these documents to be legally binding, you need to have decision-making capacity at the time of making the document. In general, having capacity means you are able to understand the choices that are available and the consequences of your decisions, and that you can communicate these choices.
For more information, talk to your doctor or a lawyer. Each state and territory has different laws about what having capacity officially means, making advance care directives and appointing substitute decision-makers.
Making an advance care directive
| What is an advance care directive? | This written record of your goals, values, treatment preferences, and instructions for any future medical care, is used by your doctors, family and carers if they need to make decisions on your behalf. This is a legally binding document which has different names depending on where you live. It may be called an Advance Care Directive, Advance Health Directive, Health Direction or an Advance Personal Plan. |
| Updating and storing your advance care directive | You may need the help of your doctor or lawyer to complete the form and make sure it’s signed, dated and witnessed. Some hospitals use their own forms. If your needs change, you can choose to revise or replace it. Ask your doctor or hospital to add your directive to your medical record. You can also save it online at myhealthrecord.gov.au. |
| How to complete an advance care directive | You can save or print the form specific for your state or territory from Advance Care Planning Australia, or order a printed starter pack to be mailed to you. |
| Where to get more information | For more information, , call the National Advance Care Planning Advisory Service on 1300 208 582 or visit Advance Care Planning Australia. |
Appointing a substitute decision-maker
While you have capacity, you can formally appoint a substitute decision-maker. This is someone who can make legal, financial and/or medical decisions for you in the future, if you do not have capacity to decide.
Your substitute decision-maker should be someone you trust and who understands your values and what you want for any future care.
They do not have to be a family member, and you can appoint more than one person if you want.
Depending on where you live, different documents are required to appoint a substitute decision-maker.
If you cannot make decisions for yourself (lose capacity), and do not have an advance care directive or an appointed substitute decision-maker, the law in each state and territory outlines who may make medical treatment decisions for you.
This is usually someone close to you, such as your spouse or partner, family member or close friend. For more information about who may make treatment decisions for you, visit end-of-life.qut.edu.au/treatment-decisions/adults/state-and-territory-laws.
Making a will
A will is a legal document that sets out what you want to happen to your assets after you die. These assets are called your estate and may include your house, land, car, bank accounts, jewellery, clothes, household goods or investments. A will can also record your wishes regarding guardianship plans for any children.
Making a will is not difficult but it needs to be prepared and written in the right way to be legally valid. A will should be reviewed and updated as circumstances change. It is best to ask a lawyer to advise you, or contact the Public Trustee in your state or territory.
Cancer Council may be able to connect you with a lawyer to help you prepare a will. For more information, call 13 11 20.
If you die without a will, you are said to die intestate. Your assets – such as your house, money and belongings – are distributed to family members according to a formula provided by law. Although any will can be challenged in court, having a valid will usually means that your assets will go to the people of your choice, avoids extra expenses, and simplifies the process for your family.
Documents used for advance care planning
| State/ territory | Name for Advance Care Directive | Name for substitute decision-maker document |
| ACT | Health Direction | Enduring Power of Attorney |
| NSW | Advance Care Directive | Enduring Power of Attorney, Enduring Guardian |
| NT | Advance Personal Plan | Advance Personal Plan |
| QLD | Advance Health Directive | Enduring Power of Attorney, Advance Health Directive |
| SA | Advance Care Directive | Advance Care Directive, Enduring Power of Attorney |
| TAS | Advance Care Directive | Enduring Power of Attorney, Instrument Appointing an Enduring Guardian |
| VIC | Advance Care Directive | Enduring Power of Attorney, Medical Treatment Decision Maker |
| WA | Advance Health Directive | Enduring Power of Attorney, Enduring Power of Guardianship |
Voluntary assisted dying
Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is when a person with an incurable, life-limiting condition or illness chooses to end their life with the assistance of a doctor or health practitioner – using specially prescribed medicines from a doctor. “Voluntary” means that it is the choice of the unwell person to end their life.
Voluntary assisted dying is only available to people who meet all the strict conditions and follow certain steps as required by the laws where they live. This usually includes being aged over 18; an Australian citizen or permanent resident; having decision-making capacity; and having a terminal illness causing intolerable suffering and likely to cause death within a set timeframe.
It’s essential to check the latest updates and know the law and rules around participating in VAD. Rules may change over time and can vary according to your state or territory.
As of November 2025, VAD is operating in all 6 Australian states and the ACT. The Northern Territory has not legalised VAD, although laws are in development and this may change.
For comprehensive and current information on VAD for your state or territory, visit Queensland University of Technology’s End of Life Law in Australia.
→ READ MORE: Making a funeral plan
All updated content has been clinically reviewed by Dr Lucy Gately, Medical Oncologist, Alfred Health and Walter and Eliza Institute for Medical Research, VIC and Penny Neller, Project Manager, End of Life Law for Clinicians, Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, QLD. This edition is based on the previous edition, which was reviewed by the following panel: Dr Lucy Gately (see above); Dr Katherine Allsopp, Supportive and Palliative Care Specialist, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Prof Megan Best, The University of Notre Dame Australia and The University of Sydney, NSW; Dr Keiron Bradley, Palliative Care Consultant, Medical Director Palliative Care Program, Bethesda Health Care, WA; Craig Brewer, Consumer; Emeritus Professor Phyllis Butow, Psychologist, The University of Sydney and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Louise Durham, Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner Outpatients, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Palliative Care, QLD; Dr Roya Merie, Radiation Oncologist, Icon Cancer Centre, Concord, NSW; Penny Neller (see above); Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Xanthe Sansome, Program Director, Advance Care Planning Australia, VIC; Sparke Helmore Lawyers; Peter Spolc, Consumer.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
