A living will, also called a declaration, is a type of advance directive. It documents your wishes about end-of-life medical treatment in case you lose your ability to make decisions or communicate. A living will lists the conditions under which you would want or not want certain kinds of treatment or life-support measures.

You can change or cancel a living will at any time. And it will not take effect unless you are no longer able to make or communicate decisions. Copies of your living will should be given to and discussed with your health professional and family members.

A living will may be called something else in your state.