Virginia Living Wills, made easy

A living will is essential for any adult, regardless of age or health status, who wants to ensure their medical care preferences are followed in case they become incapacitated and unable to communicate their wishes. It provides clear instructions to healthcare providers and family members, helping to avoid disagreements and confusion during critical situations.

The terms can be confusing, but the documents are very different. A living will focuses on medical preferences and end-of-life care, outlining your wishes for treatment if you become incapacitated and unable to communicate. On the other hand, a last will & testament deals with the distribution of your assets and property after your death, as well as appointing guardians for minor children if necessary.

In Virginia, a living will is called an "Advance Medical Directive." - it can also be referred to as a "Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care."

In Virginia, your agent is called a "Health Care Agent" or "Health Care Power of Attorney."

In Virginia, a health care facility may refuse to honor an advance directive for a pregnant woman if the refusal is based on the facility's moral or religious beliefs about pregnancy.

Pregnant women in Virginia should be aware that a health care facility might refuse to honor their advance directive based on moral or religious beliefs, so discussing their wishes with potential healthcare providers is essential.

A living will does not impact the validity of a life insurance policy in Virginia. A living will deals with end-of-life medical decisions, whereas life insurance provides financial support to designated beneficiaries.