For many a full life is more than the aggregate of life signs, so now many people make living wills. These instruments recognize that people who are incapacitated have a right to call an end to heroic intervention that preserves an existence empty and barren of meaning and joy.

A living will spells out the terms and conditions by which the testator -- the person who has signed it -- wishes to be maintained in the event of incapacitation. Generally, it spells out acceptable and unacceptable interventions and circumstances by which treatment is to be withdrawn. Usually, a defining element in withdrawal of care includes the absence of any reasonable chance of recovery. These instruments establish a scenario for the withdrawing and withholding of life-sustaining efforts.

Living wills are permitted in almost all states. Many hospitals now request patients to make living wills, and people entering old-age care routinely make such directives.

Living wills should always be kept at hand, not locked in a bank safe deposit box.

Sometimes living wills designate a spouse as a trustee or agent of the testator.

A living will is one of several documents that has to be rewritten in the aftermath of a divorce.

See Durable Power of Attorney.

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