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 important documents for end-of-life planning. Despite their similarities, these two types of wills have distinct differences. A living will outlines a person’s wishes for medical care in case they become incapacitated to make their own decisions. It is usually signed when the person is in good health, and it typically addresses matters such as who should make healthcare decisions for the person in the event of a medical emergency. A last will and testament, on the other hand, outlines a person’s wishes for their estate and assets. A last will and testament dictates who will inherit their property and possessions and who will serve as the executor of the estate. In Virginia, it is important to ensure that both a living will and a last will and testament are notarized and witnessed by two adults in a court of law. This ensures that the will is legally binding and helps to ensure that the deceased’s wishes are respected. In short, a living will deals with medical decisions and a last will and testament deals with estate and asset distribution. Knowing the difference between these two types of wills is critical for end-of-life planning in Virginia.

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

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