Having an advance directive, including a living will and a healthcare proxy designation, ensures medical decisions reflect your values even if you cannot communicate them. It clarifies who can speak for you, what treatments you want or refuse, and how your care should be prioritized during serious illness or injury.
One major benefit is consistency across care providers. When all directives align, clinicians understand your priorities quickly, reducing delays or conflicting recommendations and ensuring care remains faithful to your stated goals even if you are unable to communicate.
Choosing us means access to experienced estate planning and probate professionals who focus on your goals and practical outcomes. We explain options clearly, prepare compliant documents, and provide ongoing support to keep your directives up to date.
We provide guidance on where to store copies, how to share your directives with clinicians, and how to implement updates as life circumstances evolve.
An advance directive is a formal document that records your medical treatment preferences for situations where you cannot communicate them. It may include decisions about resuscitation, life support, and comfort measures, and it often designates a trusted person to speak on your behalf. Creating one helps ensure your care aligns with your values. You can revise it as needed to reflect changes in health or preferences.
A healthcare proxy should be someone you trust to advocate for your wishes and to communicate effectively with medical staff. The best choices are balanced, reliable, and capable of making tough decisions under pressure. Discuss expectations with your chosen proxy so they understand your goals and limits before any medical event occurs.
Yes. You can update directives at any time as long as the changes comply with state rules. We recommend reviewing documents after major life events such as marriage, divorce, relocation, or new health diagnoses to keep them current and accurate. Each update should be distributed to your healthcare providers.
Maryland law governs directives for residents; if you move, your documents may still be valid but we recommend a review to ensure alignment with the new state requirements. We can adapt your directives to your new location while preserving your original goals and preferences.
While you can complete some forms without a lawyer, legal guidance helps ensure documents meet all state requirements, are consistent with your other estate planning tools, and provide protection against ambiguities. Working with an attorney reduces the risk of invalid or unenforceable provisions.
Hospitals generally honor valid living wills as long as they meet state rules. It is important that the documents clearly state your treatment preferences and identify a designated decision maker to avoid delays or misinterpretation in medical settings.
A power of attorney for healthcare works with your living will and proxy. The POA appoints someone to make medical decisions when you cannot, while the proxy may be the decision maker designated in your directive. Coordinating these roles keeps your care aligned with your wishes.
If you cannot sign, many forms allow a witness or notary to acknowledge your intent. We guide you through legal alternatives and ensure proper execution so your directives remain valid and enforceable when needed.
We recommend a formal review every two to three years or after major life changes. Regular reviews help ensure your directives reflect current health status, patient preferences, and any changes in applicable law or medical practice.
Disagreements can arise, but a well drafted plan minimizes conflict by clearly stating preferences and appointing a trusted agent. Mediation with your attorney and healthcare providers can also facilitate productive conversations and preserve family harmony while honoring your wishes.
