What is an advance health-care directive?

An advance health-care directive records health-care wishes and may name an agent to decide when the person cannot. Depending on the state, it may include a living will, health-care power of attorney, or both.

General information

• It works during life, not as a property-distribution will.
• State law controls when it becomes effective.
• Clear discussions with the agent and doctors are as important as the paper.

Service steps to consider

1. Considering the choice of an agent and backup.
2. Recording treatment values and preferences.
3. Signing, sharing, and later review of the directive under applicable state rules.

Quick check

• Does my agent know my wishes?
• Does my doctor have a copy?
• Are old copies marked as old?

How Complete Wills can help

Complete Wills includes an advance health-care directive and HIPAA authorization in its will-based and trust-based packages. The questionnaire can record choices and names. Customer support can explain the process. Only a licensed attorney may provide legal advice, and a qualified health professional may provide medical guidance. Customer support can explain website features and questionnaire fields, but it cannot choose documents, people, distributions, or legal terms, interpret a completed document, or explain how the law applies to a person's facts. Only a separately engaged licensed attorney may provide legal advice within the attorney's engagement.

Important limits

• Health-care document names and signing rules vary by state.
• Call emergency services or a health expert for an immediate medical issue. An online document service is not emergency care. This article gives general information only. A licensed attorney can explain how state law applies to a specific estate plan or document.