What is a living will?
A living will is a legal document that allows individuals, in advance, to state their wishes regarding any medical treatments they would or would not want to receive in the future. This is especially relevant when someone has been declared legally incapacitated and unable to make decisions themselves. In California, the term “advance health care directive” is used interchangeably with “living will.” An advance health care directive allows a person to assign another person as their “health care agent” who will make medical decisions for them according to their wishes, if necessary. The agent must be competent and have an understanding of the individual’s values and wishes. An advance health care directive also provides individuals with the opportunity to express their wishes regarding the donation of their organs or body parts in the event that they pass away. The provisions of a living will can be changed at any time, unless one is incapacitated and unable to do so. To ensure that your wishes are accurately recorded, it is important to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable in the specific inheritance laws of California.
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