If you’re getting serious about estate planning, you’ve probably run into the terms “last will” and “living will.” They sound similar, and they’re often mentioned in the same breath. But they serve entirely different purposes, and understanding the distinction matters.
A living will, also called an advance directive for healthcare in Georgia, is for medical decisions. It’s used while you’re still alive but unable to communicate. It outlines what kind of care you do or do not want. Life support. Feeding tubes. Resuscitation. All the choices that are hard to think about but critical to get right. You can also name a healthcare agent, someone who can step in and speak for you when you can’t. This person carries your voice when yours is unavailable.
A last will and testament comes into play after death. It’s the document that directs where your property goes, who oversees your estate, and who takes care of any minor children. It can name guardians, outline distributions, and appoint someone you trust to carry it all out. It is your final word, the instructions that remain when you’re no longer here to clarify.
You need both. A living will gives you control during a crisis. A last will makes sure your wishes are respected after you’re gone. They cover different moments in time, but together they tell a full story. One about how you want to be cared for, and one about what happens next.
At Fletcher Estate Planning, we help Georgia families put these documents in place with care and clarity. If you haven’t started, or if it’s time to review what you already have, we’re here to help you take the next step.
