Living Wills

The Living Wills section focuses on educating consumers about advanced healthcare directives and empowerment.

Recent Stories

Annual Checkup: Is Your Estate Plan Up-to-Date?
Feb 2012

Having an estate plan is an important step toward protecting your family for the future. Keeping it up-to-date is just as important as having one in place, especially if your wishes and circumstances have recently changed. more...

Estate Plans and Intellectual Property: What to Consider
May 2011

When creating an estate plan, you want to be sure to take all your property into consideration—including your intellectual property. Passing a trademark, copyright or patent though a will or living trust can ensure the benefits of your hard work go to the people you choose. While many intellectual property owners may not realize they can pass on their property rights through an estate plan, whether you know it or not, your intellectual property could end up being much more valuable than you think. more...

A Conversation with Colleen Stiles on Getting her Will with LegalZoom
Feb 2011

You might have seen her on TV in one of the LegalZoom commercials, talking about her last will and living will. She and both her children—fraternal twins—all got their wills at LegalZoom.com. More than just planning ahead, she simply believed it was the right thing to do. As her life unfolded in an unexpected way, the significance of that decision came into clear focus. She shares her story here. more...

Hospital Visitation & Decision-Making Rights for More Americans
Aug 2010

An April 2010 decree from President Obama states that hospitals must allow designated loved ones access to a patient even if they aren’t related by blood or marriage. The decree was prompted by a hospital denying Janice Langbehn the right to see Lisa Pond, her long-time partner, before Pond’s death. The decree is viewed as a win for gay rights. more...