Having advance directives protects patient autonomy, reduces family conflict, and helps physicians follow your instructions. It also clarifies appointment of a healthcare agent, ensures HIPAA access where allowed, and provides peace of mind that medical care aligns with values during serious illness or end-of-life decisions.
By involving family perspectives in drafting directives, the resulting documents reflect shared values, reducing conflict and ensuring that care aligns with what matters most to loved ones and the patient.
Our team offers personalized guidance, practical document drafting, and clear explanations of Maryland rules to ensure your directives are valid and actionable.
We provide guidance on securing copies and ensuring clinicians can access the documents when necessary.
An advance directive combines a living will with a healthcare agent designation, giving clear instructions about medical treatment and appointing someone you trust to make decisions if you cannot. This approach helps ensure your values guide care and reduces family confusion during critical moments. Maryland law provides specific requirements for validity, including proper signing and witness rules. Working with an attorney helps ensure your forms meet these standards and remain accessible to medical teams when needed.
A healthcare agent should be someone you trust to understand your values, communicate effectively with clinicians, and be willing to make tough decisions on your behalf. Consider their ability to handle medical information, location, and your family dynamics to prevent conflicts during care.
While many states share core concepts, Maryland uses particular forms and sequences for directives. The best approach is to use documents drafted for Maryland law, reviewed by a knowledgeable attorney, to ensure enforceability and compatibility with hospital policies.
Review directives after major life events, such as marriage, birth of a child, or a new diagnosis, and at least every few years to reflect any changes in health status or wishes. Regular updates keep your plans current and actionable.
Yes. Provide copies to primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals. Ensure your healthcare agent and a trusted family member have access to the documents so care teams can honor your preferences across settings.
Without directives, decisions may default to family or courts, potentially conflicting with your wishes. Having a clearly drafted plan guides clinicians and reduces delays in care decisions during incapacity.
While you can prepare these documents yourself, consulting an attorney helps ensure compliance with Maryland law, proper wording, and alignment with your overall estate plan and goals.
A typical process takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity and how quickly documents are reviewed, signed, and returned with the appropriate witnesses and notarization.
