{"id":355842,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:17","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/ways-to-plan-ahead-for-medical-care-and-treatment.html"},"modified":"2026-09-22T09:35:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T14:35:54","slug":"ways-to-plan-ahead-for-medical-care-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/ways-to-plan-ahead-for-medical-care-and-treatment.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Create an Advance Directive"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Create an Advance Directive<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\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

An advance directive<\/span> is a legally enforceable health care document through which an individual states their preferences for medical treatment<\/span> and designates an authorized agent to make healthcare decisions<\/span> on their behalf if they lack decision-making capacity. Such directives may include a living will<\/span>, a power of attorney for health care, and do-not-resuscitate instructions, and may address the use, withholding, or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment<\/span> and other end-of-life care<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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While it\u2019s common to encourage elderly parents to have their \u201cpapers in order\u201d in case of their demise, we seldom have our own last will and testament written. Too many people suffer catastrophic injuries without a healthcare directive in place, leaving their family to guess at what they wanted for medical treatment<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Everyone should have an advance healthcare directive<\/span> in place. You can prepare this document at home with your family members, and doing so won\u2019t require an attorney. Advance directives<\/span> clearly state your\u00a0healthcare wishes<\/span>\u00a0if you have\u00a0a medical emergency and cannot speak for yourself.<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need to wait until you\u2019re terminally ill<\/span>, old, retired, or have a medical condition to create your advance directive<\/span>. This article explains what an advance directive<\/span> is and how to make your own.<\/p>\n

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

An advance directive<\/span> is a document or set of documents that speaks for you when you can’t speak for yourself. Advance directives<\/span> can include end-of-life decisions<\/span>, instructions for who can make medical decisions on your behalf, and preferences for artificial life support<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Legal Requirements for Advance Directives<\/span><\/h3>\n

Although anyone can have an advance directive<\/span>, it must follow your state laws<\/span><\/a> to be legally binding<\/span>. Common requirements include:<\/p>\n