A document that states a person’s wishes regarding life-support or other medical treatment in certain circumstances, sometimes when death is imminent.
Only in the event of a life-threatening illness and inability to express one’s wishes for treatment does one need a living will or advance directive. Medical care that is not life-threatening does not necessitate consulting a will.
A living will may be referred to as a medical directive or a health care proxy in some states, but it is required in every state. To prepare a thorough and personalized living will in some jurisdictions, you must use an official form; in other states, you must use a generic one.
« Back to Glossary Index
