Which document legally indicates a person’s wishes concerning end-of-life care?

The document that legally indicates a person’s wishes concerning end-of-life care is an advance directive. This is a crucial legal tool that allows individuals to specify their preferences regarding medical treatment in situations when they may no longer be able to communicate their wishes, such as in cases of terminal illness or incapacitation. Advance directives often include a living will, which outlines specific medical procedures or interventions the individual does or does not want, as well as a healthcare proxy, appointing someone to make decisions on their behalf.

In contrast, a will primarily addresses the distribution of a person's assets after death and does not encompass medical care preferences. A death certificate is simply an official document that confirms the date, cause, and place of death and does not provide any information about a person's wishes for end-of-life care. A living trust is focused on asset management and distribution, similar to a will, and does not relate to medical treatment decisions.

Thus, the advance directive stands out as the appropriate document for expressing end-of-life care preferences legally recognized in many jurisdictions.