Do I Need a Will?

Living wills do not affect your property, but they are an important part of planning for the future. A living will -- and a related document known as a durable power of attorney for health care -- lets you describe the type and extent of medical treatment that you prefer. These instructions are invoked if you are unable to make those preferences known in the future.

For example, if you were severely injured in a car accident, you might be in a coma with no apparent prospects for recovery. Would you want your doctors to do everything possible to keep you alive? Would you prefer minimal, non-invasive treatment? These are extremely difficult decisions, and they require reflection on your most deeply held philosophical and religious beliefs. The purpose of a living will is to make your intentions known, so that your family and your doctors will be able to lawfully act in accordance with your wishes.

Living wills are generally invoked only in "life or death" situations. Frequently, however, people face related challenges even when their life is not in danger. People who are unconscious, for example, are clearly unable to make their treatment preferences known, but that does not mean that they do not have preferences. For this reason, many people now prepare a durable power of attorney for health care in addition to a living will.

Learn everything you need to know to create your own will by Downloading the Forms and Guide to Creating A Will.