There are many people who confuse a living will and a living trust. They are both legal documents that serve two completely different purposes. In order to decide which legal document is best for you, here are a few key differences between the two.

 

Living Will

A living will is a legal document that specifies what medical procedures you want and don’t want in the chance of a life ending or life-sustaining incident occurring. A living will can also be incorporated into an Advance Medical Directive, which is another legal document that allows you to choose someone to make health care decisions for you if you are not competent enough to do so. A lot of people also think a living will is something that only older adults need, this is actually not the case. It is important that all adults have a living will in the case of an unforeseen accident and you need advanced directives regarding your medical care preferences. . A living will only covers what happens to you when you are near death and after death.

 

 

Living Trust

A living trust is a legal document all of your assets are put into, such as your home, bank accounts, and stocks. During your life you will have control of your assets and you can name a trustee, someone who can help you take care of those assets if you are not able to do so. In the event of your death, a person who you have named as a beneficiary would then be left with the assets you set in the trust. At any time you can revoke or amend your living trust if you are still competent. A living trust covers all phases of your life, living and in good health, living, but not in good health, and also after your death.

 

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If you are not sure as to what legal document you currently have contact one of our professionals to help you with your estate planning. They will make sure you have all of your grounds covered and have the right legal documents that best suite your wants and needs.

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