Having an Advance Healthcare Directive clarifies who makes medical decisions if you’re unable to speak and describes the treatments you do or do not want. This reduces family conflict, guides clinicians, and ensures your values guide critical choices. It also complements a durable power of attorney for healthcare by defining your priorities.
One key benefit is ensuring patient-centered care remains central across settings. By documenting preferences clearly, clinicians and caregivers can act with confidence, reducing guesswork and aligning treatment with what matters most to you, your family, and your overall well-being.
Choosing our firm means partnering with professionals who prioritize clear communication, practical guidance, and reliable documentation. We translate medical terminology into plain language, help you prepare for conversations with loved ones, physicians, and hospitals, and ensure your directives reflect your genuine preferences rather than assumptions.
Access to documents should be clear for physicians, hospitals, and guardians. We provide guidance on storage, retrieval, and authorized contacts, so your plan remains accessible even in emergency rooms, admission moments, or transitional care settings.
An advance directive is a legal document that records your treatment preferences and may designate a healthcare proxy to act if you cannot communicate. It establishes who speaks for you and under what conditions medical decisions should be made. A living will focuses on end-of-life care, outlining which life-sustaining measures you would accept or refuse. When used with an advance directive, it creates a complete framework guiding clinicians and families through difficult, emotionally charged decisions.
Choose someone you trust, who understands your values, and who is willing to speak up in medical emergencies. Discuss expectations, ensure they are willing to make decisions under pressure, and appoint alternates in case the primary cannot serve.
Yes. Directives should be updated after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption, changes in health, or shifts in caregivers. Regular reviews with an attorney help ensure documents stay accurate, legally compliant, and aligned with your current goals and family dynamics.
Maryland recognizes properly executed advance directives and living wills. It is important to follow state laws for form, witnesses, and notarization. Working with an attorney helps ensure your documents meet all legal requirements and will be honored by healthcare providers in Maryland.
The healthcare proxy is someone you designate to make medical decisions on your behalf when you cannot. This person should understand your values, be willing to advocate for your wishes, and be prepared to act in emergencies while coordinating with other directives.
Yes. You can revoke or amend directives at any time as long as you have capacity. After updating, replace old copies, inform your healthcare proxy and physician, and ensure new versions are stored with your estate plan documents.
Hospitals can access your directives if they are properly stored and readily shareable. We provide clear storage guidance, ensure witnesses and notarization are in place, and supply copies to your medical team, caregiver, and designated agents for quick reference.
If you have limited or no family, you can appoint trusted friends, a professional fiduciary, or a designated healthcare agent through a formal document. Discuss choices with the person and provide clear instructions to avoid ambiguity about who should make decisions.
Costs vary with complexity and scope. A basic directive plus durable power of attorney is generally more affordable than a comprehensive package. We tailor services to your needs and provide transparent pricing, ensuring essential planning is accessible and clear.
