Living Wills

• A living will is a legal document through which you express your health-care desires so your health-care providers can follow your wishes in the event you are unable to communicate. Any adult can create a living will as long as he is able to make his own decisions, and can change the terms at any time. Living wills only apply when you are ill or otherwise incapacitated, so it is often best to give a copy of your living will to your spouse, family members or primary-care physician.
  
  

Last Will and Testament

• Unlike a living will, a last will and testament details how you want your property distributed after you die. These documents only become effective after you die, and as long as you remain of sound mind you can change them whenever you wish. Once you create a will, you should generally let your family know about it or give it, or a copy, to a trusted adviser or family member. You are under no obligation to do this, but doing so may make it easier for those included in your estate.
  
  

Living Will Registry

• Some states have living will registries that allow citizens to file their living will with a state agency and keep it there until needed. Not all states have such a registry, and those that do have different requirements and services. For example, the state of Louisiana has a living will registry with which people can file their living will or health-care declarations. Filers must pay a $20 fee, and receive a laminated identification card and a bracelet engraved with the words, "Do Not Resuscitate."
  
  

Will Registry

• Some states also have will registries that serve the same purposes as a living will registry. For example, the state of New Jersey allows residents to file their last will and testament with the state will registry. You do not have to register your last will and testament with the state registry in order for it to be valid, nor does registration determine the validity of any will. However, registering the document can make it easier to retrieve later on.