Living Will vs. Will – What is the Difference?

A living will and a will are two distinct legal documents that serve different purposes:

1. Living Will: A living will is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment if you become incapacitated and are unable to make decisions for yourself. It typically includes instructions about life-sustaining treatments such as artificial respiration, tube feeding, and resuscitation. It allows you to communicate your wishes to your healthcare providers and loved ones, ensuring that your wishes are respected even if you cannot express them yourself.
2. Will: A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your property and assets to be distributed after your death. It allows you to name an executor who will manage your estate, specify how your assets should be distributed, and name guardians for any minor children. It only goes into effect after you die and can be updated or revised at any time during your lifetime.

In summary, a living will focuses on your medical care and decisions you want made on your behalf if you are unable to communicate, while a will focuses on the distribution of your assets after you pass away. If you have are interested in learning more, give us a call at (605) 275-5665.