What is an 'Advance Healthcare Directive?'
An Advance Healthcare Directive is a legal document that allows you to outline your preferences for medical care and appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf. This directive consists of two main components:
Living Will: This part of the directive specifies your healthcare preferences. It includes your instructions for medical treatment in scenarios where you might not be able to make decisions yourself. Learn more about Living Wills.
Medical Power of Attorney: This allows you to designate a Health Care Agent who will make healthcare decisions for you if you are incapacitated and the situation falls outside what is covered by your Living Will. Learn more about Medical Power of Attorney.
What is a 'Living Will'?
A Living Will is a document where you can express your wishes regarding medical treatment and healthcare, particularly in situations where you are unable to communicate your decisions. Living Wills may also be known as “Medical Directives,” “Healthcare Directives,” “Declarations,” and “Directives to Physicians". The document in your account will be labeled an "Advance Healthcare Directive."
How does a Living Will function within an Advance Healthcare Directive?
A Living Will is integral to an Advance Healthcare Directive, allowing you to state your medical treatment preferences clearly. It ensures that your healthcare choices are respected, even if you become unconscious or otherwise incapacitated.
How do I create an 'Advance Healthcare Directive' document?
When you purchase an Estate Plan, we create an 'Advance Healthcare Directive' document from the information you provide in the questionnaire.
How to Access Your 'Advance Healthcare Directive' Document
You can view, download, or print your 'Advance Healthcare Directive' directly from the Estate plan documents page:
How to Edit Your 'Advance Healthcare Directive' Document
While you cannot directly modify the final 'Advance Healthcare Directive' document that you see in the Estate Plan tab in your account, you can make changes to the Healthcare section from the Summary tab. These adjustments will then be reflected in your 'Advance Healthcare Directive'.