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.