Living Will

A living will provides instructions regarding the use of life support when two physicians independently concur a person has an incurable injury, disease or illness certified to be a terminal condition that will occur unless life-sustaining procedures are used and would only prolong the dying process.

The living will can list which artificial means can and cannot be used to prolong life. Typically, most living wills allow for medication and medical procedures deemed necessary to provide comfort and die with the least amount of pain possible.

Common artificial means include:

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
The implantation of a cardiac pacemaker
Renal dialysis,
Parental feeding
The use of respirators or ventilators
Blood transfusions
Nasogastric tube use,
Intravenous feedings
Endotracheal tube use
Organ transplants
Major surgery
Chemotherapy
Invasive diagnostic tests

It is wise to provide a copy of this document to your medical power of attorneys and your primary physician to have on file. This document does not replace a health care / medical power of attorney. The two documents are often used together.

Financial power of attorney

Mental health care power of attorney

Medical power of attorney

Living Will

Last will and testament

Testamentary trust

Revocable living trust

Special needs trusts

Other types of trusts

Children's Guardians

Probate

Estate taxes