ABA Family Legal Guide

The Rights of Older Americans

A Right to Control Your Own Affairs

Health-Care Decision-Making Issues

What is a living will?

A living will is simply a written instructionspelling out any treatments you want or don't want in the event you are unable to speak for yourself and you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious. A living will simply says, "Whoever is deciding, please follow these instructions." It is called a living will because it takes effect while you are still alive. It is also called a medical directive or declaration.