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Living will. A living will is a written, legal document that spells out medical treatments you would and would not want to be used to keep you alive, as well as your preferences for other medical decisions, such as pain management or organ donation. In determining your wishes, think about your values.

Even though they are not required to follow your wishes, most will do so.In an emergency, a physician's choices could override your living will for another reason; if proper care dictates you to be treated in a certain way or there is an ethical obligation, that could override your wishes.

With what is known as a durable power of attorney for health care, you can designate an agent that will make decisions that weren't covered by your living will. It is important to note that your health care agent can't overrule any of the provisions of your living will.

Give It to Your Executor Your executor should store it in a safe place, such as his or her safe deposit box or personal safe at home. Keep in mind that you may change or replace the will in the future, which may include changing the executor.

To be valid, a living will must meet state requirements regarding notarization or witnesses. A living will can be revoked at any time. The document can take effect as soon as it's signed, or only when it's determined that the person can no longer communicate his or her wishes about treatment.

You do not need a lawyer to make a living will, although you can get one from a lawyer if you prefer to. Every state has its own requirements for making a living will, so if you make one on your own, make sure you find a form that meets your state's requirements.

They don't take away your authority to make your own care and treatment decisions. You retain the right to override the decisions or your representative, change the terms of your living will or POA, or completely revoke an advance directive.