A living will, also referred to as directive to physicians or advance directive, is a legal document which gives directions for one’s end-of-life wishes regarding medical care. It is vital in preventing dilemmas and painful court proceedings regarding what will be done to/for you in case you become incapacitated. A living will is often prepared with the help of a lawyer; others make their own with estate planning soft wares.
For instance, a living will states: “I, John Doe, being of sound mind, willfully and voluntarily make known my desires that my moment of death shall not be artificially postponed…” It then specifies that procedures, i.e respirators, defibrillator use, etc. which merely further the dying process will be declined.