What is the difference between a living will and a last will and testament?

A living will and a last will and testament are both used in estate planning but they serve different purposes. A living will is a legal document that delineates a person’s wishes regarding medical treatments if they are unable to communicate their decisions on their own. This document may include information like whether or not the person wants to be given life-saving medical treatments like CPR, dialysis, and artificial nutrition. The living will goes into effect when the person is terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state, and it can be changed or revoked at any time prior to the person’s death. A last will and testament, on the other hand, is a legal document that outlines a person’s wishes regarding how their estate should be handled after their death. This document details how assets like property, money, and possessions should be distributed to beneficiaries, as well as any instructions regarding funeral arrangements or other matters. The last will and testament is not legally binding until the death of the person and can be changed or revoked at any time prior to the death. In the state of Pennsylvania, a last will and testament must be witnessed and notarized in order for it to be considered valid.

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What is the difference between a living will and a last will and testament?

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