I was recently wondering about living wills (for what reason, I can’t quite recall) and I was curious about the right time to have one. Since I’m 25 with no dependents, I had always assumed that I didn’t need a living will. But after some research, I’ve realized this might not be true.

A living will is a document detailing what you want to happen in case you are in a serious accident or an illness. It primarily details what you want done (if anything at all) to prolong your life when you are unable to tell people what you want done.

For example, if I were in a serious accident and ended up in a coma, a living will would dictate what life-prolonging efforts should be made, such as whether or not a feeding tube can be used or if a breathing machine can be used. A living will is different from a regular will because it doesn’t deal with assets or other property.

In my situation, a living will would help my parents if they are faced with those decisions. Because a living will details what happens while I’m still alive, it is extremely important to have one. I wouldn’t want my parents guessing about what I want or doing something I don’t want.

The main problem with a living will, and it’s not really a problem, is that it usually requires a lawyer to get it right, and lawyers usually cost money. And although it’s not “legal” the same way a living will is, I could tell my parents what I want to happen in that kind of a situation and hope that they follow through.

I should probably consider developing a living will or at least consider talking with my parents about my wishes.

Do you have a living will? Why or why not?