What Is The Difference Between A Living Will And A Last Will and Testament?

Many people confuse Living Wills with Last Wills and Testaments. They sound similar, but serve very different purposes.

A Living Will, also known as a Directive to Physicians, is a document that allows you to instruct your physicians to administer, withdraw or withhold artificial, life-sustaining treatment in the event you are diagnosed with a terminal or irreversible condition and are unable to make your own health care decisions.

A Last Will and Testament, on the other hand, is legal document that allows you to direct how your property will be distributed when you die. A Will gives you the opportunity to name a person you trust to oversee the management and distribution of your assets, appoint a guardian to care for any minor children, and can create trusts for the benefit or your spouse or children.

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Rania Combs

Licensed in Texas & North Carolina

Rania graduated magna cum laude from South Texas College of Law Houston. She has been licensed to practice law since 1994 and enjoys helping clients in Texas and North Carolina create estate plans that give them peace of mind.