Definition: A written, legal document that conveys the wishes of an individual in the event he/she becomes terminally ill and incapable of communicating.
A living will may indicate specific care or treatment the person does or does not wish to have implemented in the event of a terminal illness.
A legal document used to specify the health care you would like to receive under certain circumstances. A Living Will does not do the same thing as a Will and does not take its place. Complete estate plans include both a Will and a Living Will.
Related Terms: Advanced Directives, Advanced Health Care Directives, Health Care Directive.
Sources:
ADAM Illustrated Health Encyclopedia. Advanced Care Directives. http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/001908.htm
Legacy Writer. Living Will. At: http://www.legacywriter.com/livingwill2.asp#
