Function

• The function of a living will is to allow you to have control over what happens to you when you can no longer make decisions for yourself. By filling out this document, you can specify who can make decisions on your behalf about medical treatments. You can also use a living will to outline what types of specific treatment you would be willing to receive. This document can be very detailed or it can cover only a few basic medical procedures.
  
  

Types

• There are two types of living wills that you could potentially use. The first type of living well involves making the specific decisions about your health care in advance. This can also be called an advance directive. With this type of document, you will essentially be making your own decisions in advance. The other type of document is a healthcare power of attorney. The power of attorney appoints someone else to make health-related decisions on your behalf.
  
  

Benefits

• The primary benefit of creating a will is that your wishes will be known far in advance. Many people fall victim to serious medical issues and are unable to make decisions for themselves any longer. With an advance directive, you can think about the types of life-saving treatments that you would like to receive. If you choose a health care power of attorney, you can decide exactly which one of your loved ones will make decisions for you.
  
  

Requirements

• In order to make a living will valid, you have to meet some specific requirements. Each state has different rules when it comes to making a will valid. Some states require a certain number of witnesses when you sign the document. Other states require the document to be notarized. You also have to have the mental capacity to write a will when you create it. You also have to legally be an adult in your state.
  
  

Considerations

• While it is not a pleasant thought, there is a possibility that you could come down with a life-threatening illness or condition at some point. You may be unable to stay conscious so that you can make your own decisions during this period. The living will is the best method available for planning for these types of situations. Consulting a lawyer can help you fill out your living will and make the tough decisions that you need to make.