Living Will vs. Last Will and Testament

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Written and Reviewed by Experts: This article was created, edited and reviewed by trained editorial staff who specialize in translating complex legal topics into plain language.

Learn the difference between a living will and a last will and testament. Rocket Lawyer can help you create documents for your estate administration process.

A Last Will and Testament dictates the way that that your assets will be distributed and utilized following your death. A Living Will states your wishes regarding life support in the event that you are in a persistent vegetative state or irreversible coma and cannot communicate your wishes. They are very different documents. After death, the Living Will can grant consent to an autopsy, bequeath anatomical gifts, and direct the disposition of your remains (whether you wish to be buried, or cremated, or neither.) Most other posthumous decisions are addressed in a Last Will and Testament.

Create your Living Will or Last Will and Testament with Rocket Lawyer. If you have questions about either document, contact an estate planning attorney.

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Please note: This page offers general legal information, not but not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask a Legal Pro.

Written and Reviewed by Experts: This article was created, edited and reviewed by trained editorial staff who specialize in translating complex legal topics into plain language.

At Rocket Lawyer, we believe legal information should be both reliable and easy to understand—so you don't need a law degree to feel informed. We follow a rigorous editorial policy to ensure every article is helpful, clear, and as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

About this page:

This article was written and reviewed by Rocket Lawyer editorial staff
This article was last reviewed or updated on Sep 23, 2022

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