Two Key Estate-Planning Documents You Need

Don't confuse a health care proxy with a living will. Each serves a different purpose, but you'll need both to make sure your medical wishes are honored.

Kimberly Lankford's avatar
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Question: What's the difference between a health care proxy and a living will? Should I get both?

Answer: A health care proxy (also known as a health care power of attorney) lets you designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you can't do so yourself. A living will lets you state your wishes for end-of-life care. It's a good idea to have both documents.

The specific rules for these documents vary by state. Virginia, for example, combines a health care power of attorney and a living will in one document, called an advance directive for health care, which must be signed in front of two witnesses. For more information about the rules, including variations by state, see the American Bar Association's Giving Someone Power of Attorney for Your Health Care guide.

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Kimberly Lankford
Kimberly Lankford
Contributing Editor, Kiplinger's Personal Finance

As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.