What is a living will?

A living will states preferences about medical treatment if a person cannot communicate and the conditions in state law are met. It is different from a last will and testament.

General information

• It may address life-sustaining treatment, comfort care, or related choices.
• The document's effect depends on state law and medical facts.
• A health-care agent may still be needed for decisions not covered in writing.

Service steps to consider

1. Discussing choices with a health expert.
2. Considering whether to name a health-care agent where allowed.
3. Considering whether to give copies to the agent and providers.

Quick check

• Does my agent know my wishes?
• Does my doctor have a copy?
• Are old copies marked as old?

How Complete Wills can help

Complete Wills includes an advance health-care directive and HIPAA authorization in its will-based and trust-based packages. The questionnaire can record choices and names. Customer support can explain the process. Only a licensed attorney may provide legal advice, and a qualified health professional may provide medical guidance. Customer support can explain website features and questionnaire fields, but it cannot choose documents, people, distributions, or legal terms, interpret a completed document, or explain how the law applies to a person's facts. Only a separately engaged licensed attorney may provide legal advice within the attorney's engagement.

Important limits

• Health-care document names and signing rules vary by state.
• Call emergency services or a health expert for an immediate medical issue. An online document service is not emergency care. This article gives general information only. A licensed attorney can explain how state law applies to a specific estate plan or document.