{"id":287004,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:46","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/estate\/living-will.html"},"modified":"2025-03-28T10:56:37","modified_gmt":"2025-03-28T15:56:37","slug":"living-will","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/living-will.html","title":{"rendered":"Living Will & Health Care Directive Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n Living Will & Health Care Directive Laws\n <\/h1>\n \n A living will is a type of legal document that allows a person to explain their medical treatment and end-of-life care decisions.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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\n By Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

A living will is a legal document that should be a part of every estate plan. A living will lets you explain what medical treatment you want to receive and your end-of-life care decisions.<\/p>\n

Having these health care choices spelled out keeps the decision-making rights in your hands<\/a>. It also provides family members and health care personnel with clear medical care instructions.<\/p>\n

You can nominate someone to serve as a health care proxy<\/a>. This person will learn about your medical directives and can follow your wishes if you become incapacitated.<\/p>\n

The section below provides helpful links to relevant topics relating to living wills and health care directives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Living Will Basics\n \n <\/i>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n <\/h2>\n \n