A Living Will

A living will documents your instructions regarding how you wish to be cared for once you are unable to make your own medical decisions. It includes your wishes about life-sustaining medical treatments and describes to others—including your doctors, family, and court personnel—the extent and intensity of end-of-life medical care that you desire.


Preparing a living will takes a little time and more than a little thought. Rather than simply check-marking boxes on a form, allow time to discuss your wishes with your family physician and loved ones.

Lesson Contents

I. Introduction

II. Advance Directives for Health Care

a. Living Will

b. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

c. Obtaining Advance Directive Documents for Your State

d. Storing Your Advance Directives for Health Care

e. Changing or Updating Your Documents

III. Starting an Advance Directive Discussion

V. Learn More

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Glossary

Resources and Tools

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Disclaimer

Acknowledgments

Communicate Your Advance Directives for Health Care belongs to a series called Legally Secure Your Financial Future. The series also includes information to help you organize important household papers and begin preparing your estate plan.