Living Will

/ˈlɪvɪŋ wɪl/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal document in which a person specifies their wishes regarding medical treatment in the event they become incapacitated and unable to communicate.
    She executed a living will to ensure her end-of-life care preferences were honored.

Commentary

Living wills are distinct from medical power of attorney as they directly state treatment preferences rather than appointing an agent.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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Amicus Docs | Living Will Definition