Also known as an "Advanced Directive," a living will tells your doctors what kind of care you want if you are terminally ill and there is little hope that you will recover. The living will isn't used only to tell your doctor to withhold or take you off life support. It can also be used to give specific instructions about the kind of care you do want. If you want every possible state-of- the-art medical treatment available, you can say so with an Advanced Directive.  

A "Living Will" isn't the same as a "Will" - also known as your "Last Will & Testament." Your Living Will is written to tell your loved ones and your doctors what kind of care you want while you're still living. Your "Will" - or your "Last Will & Testament" - is the document that tells everyone what you want to happen to your money and the things you own after you are gone. 

You don't need a lawyer to write an advanced directive. Most hospitals and medical centers have forms available. If they accept Medicare hospitals are required to have these forms. You can also find state-specific living will forms on the internet from Partnership for Caring. Although many states will recognize a Living Will created in another state, it's always best to have a document for your own state.

Simply writing a Living Will isn't a total guarantee that your wishes will be honored. If you have definite thoughts about the care you want to receive - or not receive - it's best to talk about your wishes with your doctor and the person who will have your Power of Attorney for Health Care. If either your doctor or the person you want to appoint doesn't think he or she would be able to honor your wishes, you'll then have the chance to choose a someone who will.

Make sure that all of your primary doctors and someone you trust have copies of your Advanced Directive. It won't do you any good to have written one if it's locked up in a safety deposit box when it's needed.