Having a directive reduces uncertainty for loved ones and care teams during emergencies. It communicates your preferences on life sustaining treatments, pain management, and end of life choices, while naming a healthcare agent to make decisions when you cannot. Thoughtful directives can minimize disputes, support timely care, and reflect your values with clarity and compassion.
A single, well organized set of directives provides families with clear instructions, reducing stress and potential disagreements during critical moments.
We bring practical guidance, thoughtful documentation, and a straightforward approach to protecting your medical choices. Our team collaborates with you to draft clear directives that integrate with your overall estate plan.
We help organize and securely store your documents and ensure key parties have access to the latest versions when needed.
An advance healthcare directive is a legal document that records your medical treatment preferences and designates someone to make decisions on your behalf if you lose decision making capacity. It provides clear guidance for clinicians and family, helping ensure your wishes are honored even when you cannot speak for yourself. Living wills and directives are often used together with a healthcare proxy to cover a broad range of medical scenarios and keep care aligned with your values.
A healthcare proxy should be a person you trust to understand your values and communicate effectively with medical staff. Many people choose a close family member or a trusted friend who is calm under pressure. It is wise to discuss your wishes with the candidate and appoint an alternate proxy in case the primary cannot serve.
Yes. You can update directives as your health, relationships, or preferences change. The process typically requires a new signing, witnesses, and notification to your medical team and loved ones. Regular reviews help ensure the documents reflect your current wishes and circumstances.
State rules vary. If you move to a new state, you should review and possibly update your directives to comply with local law. Carry copies of your documents and inform your physician network so the new providers understand your wishes.
A living will describes the treatments you want or refuse in certain end of life scenarios, while a medical power of attorney designates someone to make broader healthcare decisions when you are unable. Both tools work together to protect your autonomy and guide medical care.
Yes. After relocation or changes in health insurance and care options, revisiting directives ensures they remain valid and aligned with current resources and laws. We can help coordinate updates with your overall estate plan.
Doctors generally follow valid directives, provided they are current and clearly written. It helps to supply copies to your primary care and hospital systems and to confirm the directives are accessible in emergency departments.
Store originals in a safe, accessible place such as a safe, a records file at home, or with your attorney. Provide copies to your healthcare proxy, family members, and medical providers to ensure ready access when needed.
To revoke a directive, you should create a written statement expressing your intent to revoke, sign it with witnesses where required, and notify your healthcare proxy and medical providers. Distribute updated copies to all people and institutions that rely on the directive.
Fees vary by complexity and locality. A typical Maryland directive package may include consultation, document drafting, and execution, with additional charges for updates or storage. We provide transparent pricing and a clear explanation of what is included in the service.
