A regular will outlines what happens to your assets after you die. But what about decisions that need to be made while you're still alive, but unable to speak for yourself? This is where a living will comes in.

Think of it as a set of instructions for your future self. It empowers someone you trust to manage your affairs and make crucial decisions on your behalf, strictly following the guidelines you've laid out. This document only takes effect during your lifetime, if and when you lose the capacity to decide things for yourself.

Creating a living will provides immense clarity and peace of mind, both for you and for your loved ones. You ensure that your preferences are known and respected, from how your finances are managed to what medical treatments you do or do not want.

For your family, it removes the burden of making incredibly difficult decisions during an already stressful time. Instead of guessing what you would have wanted, they have a clear roadmap to follow. This can prevent disagreements among family members and relieve them of a heavy emotional weight.

A living will only becomes active when you are no longer considered mentally competent, or 'wilsbekwaam'. This isn't a gray area; a doctor, often a specialist, must formally determine that you can no longer understand information, weigh the consequences of a decision, and communicate your choice.

It’s a safeguard for specific, serious situations.

As long as you are able to make and communicate your own decisions, you remain in full control. The living will is simply a plan held in reserve for a future possibility.