Living Will Definition: A written, legal document that conveys the wishes of an individual in the event he/she becomes terminally ill and incapable of communicating.

What this definition means is that an individual can sign a legally binding document stating that they do not wish to receive a certain type of treatment even if it will save their life. This even includes being hooked up to a respirator or being resuscitated in the event that a person stops breathing during surgery.

Unlike a typical will that you might be used to, this type only deals with a person’s wishes when it comes to their medical care. Usually when people are diagnosed with a terminal illness they make out one of these wills so that the doctors will know how to handle their treatment and what to do if something should go wrong during an operation.

If a person does not have a living will in place when they are admitted to the hospital for a surgery or any type of terminal illness the nurse may ask if they would like to make one. The information that has to be provided can be a little bit confusing but there is usually someone who will walk a person through the process. Another option is to visit a lawyer before being admitted to the hospital and getting one drawn up.

These are the key aspects of the Living Will definition that you were searching for. There are a few other elements that make it up, so if you are interested in learning what they are make sure to do some follow up research. If you are someone with an illness or strong preferences when it comes to your medical care, then make sure to check into writing a living will.

Will: A legal document that dictates the rights and distribution of the person’s (the testator) property or family after death. A Will is also known as a Last Will and Testament.

Testator: The person making the Will

Estate: All of the real and personal property owned by the person at the time of death.

Real Property: Land and improvements located on the land, oil, gas and mineral rights.

Personal Property: All property other than real property including cash and bank accounts, household furnishing, motor vehicles, stocks and bonds, life insurance policies and government, retirement or employee benefits.

Probate: The legal process of settling the estate of a deceased person.

Bequest: A gift in the form of personal property.

Executor: The person that is designated to administer the estate according to the whished outlined in the will. An executor is also known as a personal representative.

Legal Guardian: The person that has the legal authority and responsibilities to care for minor children after the death of parents.

Codicil: An amendment to a will

Intestate: A person that has NOT created a will prior to death is said to be intestate.

Testate: A person that HAS created a will prior to death is testate.

Living Will: A legal document that expresses the wishes regarding medical decisions to be executed when the author is incapacitated and unable to act on their own behalf.

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