A living will is a document outlining very specific medical instructions that apply
while you are still alive, but are unable to communicate your wishes. Unlike a typical
Last Will and Testament, it really has nothing to do with how you want your property
divided when you die. It simply states that you do, or do not, want artificial life
support if you become either:
terminally ill and will die within a short period of time without life support,
or
in an irreversible coma or vegetative state.
A living will also allows you to make decisions regarding whether or not you would
like to receive pain medication and artificial nutrition. In addition, you can indicate
special wishes or instructions. For example, some people may want to remain on life
support for only a certain period of time.
