Advanced Health Directive

Also known as a “medical power of attorney or living will”, this category of power of attorney is designed to enable your agent to make medically related decisions for you when you are unable to do so for yourself. By necessity, this power of attorney must all be durable powers of attorney in order to be effective when needed. In addition, advanced health care directives have also evolved to typically contain additional provisions and directions to your agent related to your right to withhold certain medical treatments in certain circumstances, end-of-life decisions (so-called “living will” provisions), burial arrangements, and your preferences as to organ donation.

Final disposition instructions

This document will let your survivors know how you want your remains to be handled after you die, whether you want burial or cremation, what your wishes for a ceremony are, and whether you have already made free arrangements at a funeral home

HIPAA Waiver

Some of the medically-related issues above under the heading “Advanced Health Care Directive” require that your agent have access to your medical information. Due to recent legislation* protecting an individual’s privacy in connection with these records, your agent will need a document stating that in these specific cases you have waived this right to privacy so that your agent can make informed decisions on your behalf. *Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA)

Health Care Power of Attorney 

Appoint a trusted person who will ensure your health care wishes are respected.

Why Should I Make a Living Will?

It is important that your family members and care providers know your preferences for end-of-life care. When you have a Living Will, you’re making your wishes clear. If you haven’t put your choices in writing, your family members may be forced to make tough decisions for you.

Living Will vs. Durable Power of Attorney?

A Living Will typically has a narrower focus and directly communicates your end-of-life healthcare decisions, while a Durable Power of Attorney grants authority to an agent to make decisions and take action on your behalf, such as managing your finances, your real estate, or your business. Similar to a Living Will, a Durable Power of Attorney is valid even after you are no longer able to communicate or make decisions on your own.

Living Will	$  199.00

This information is for general use and is not intended as full and comprehensive instruction. This is intended as an information tool to assist you. For additional information, we recommend you seek legal advice. If you need to consult with an attorney, we will be able to provide you with a referral with one of our collaborating attorneys