{"id":355779,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:23","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/elder\/what-is-elder-law\/what-are-advance-directives.html"},"modified":"2026-07-02T14:38:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T19:38:00","slug":"what-are-advance-directives","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/what-is-elder-law\/what-are-advance-directives.html","title":{"rendered":"What Are Advance Directives?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Are Advance Directives?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Advance directives are legally binding documents that let you detail your medical wishes and name someone to make health care decisions on your behalf. They guide doctors and family members during emergencies or end\u2011of\u2011life care, ensuring your treatment aligns with your values. Most states recognize living wills and health care powers of attorney, making advance directives a key part of protecting your rights when you\u2019re unable to decide on your own.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Having an advance health care directive is one of the most important things you can do if, in the future, you can no longer make medical care decisions for yourself. No matter how good your doctors are or how much your family loves you, they cannot read your mind. An advance directive reduces uncertainty by allowing you to make your wishes clear about medical orders. This can be crucial in emergency medical events, like a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order or a physician order for life-sustaining treatment (POLST).<\/p>\n

In simpler terms, it allows you to choose your health care wishes and make medical treatment decisions in advance of the end of your life<\/a>. Advance care planning provides peace of mind to you, your family, and your caregivers. It also gives your health care providers clear guidance for emergencies and end-of-life care.<\/p>\n

You can DIY an advance directive<\/a> in some situations. But this process can be overwhelming and emotionally charged. A lawyer near you<\/a> can offer objective legal guidance and help you create legally sound documents that will help ensure your wishes are honored.<\/p>\n

What Exactly Is an Advance Directive?<\/h2>\n

An advance directive is a legally valid estate planning document<\/a>. Depending on the type of advance directive, it allows you to:<\/p>\n