Generally, a Living Will and a Health Care Directive both dictate your health care preferences in the event of a medical emergency or incapacitation.
Some states use the terms Living Will and Health Care Directive interchangeably, while others use one term but not the other. The requirements for each document also vary by jurisdiction. LawDepot’s Living Will template will automatically customize your document to suit the laws in your selected location.
This document is sometimes called a Living Will because it only applies while you’re still alive. People also use the term Health Care Directive because it dictates which medical treatments and decisions you consent to. Other common names for this document include:
Advance Directive
Advance Medical Directive
Advance Decision Form
Personal Directive
In addition to your directives, LawDepot’s Living Will template allows you to grant decision-making powers to another person with a Medical Power of Attorney.