Estate Planning Glossary
A legal document stating your medical treatment preferences and naming someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you cannot.
Plain English
A healthcare directive — sometimes called a living will or advance directive — does two things. First, it tells doctors what treatments you want or don't want if you're unable to communicate. Second, it names a healthcare proxy who makes medical decisions for you. Without one, doctors default to keeping you alive with every available measure, and your family may disagree about what you'd have wanted.
Why it matters
Medical crises happen without warning. A healthcare directive removes the burden of impossible decisions from your family and ensures your actual wishes are followed.
First Light generates an advance healthcare directive for $29 as part of the complete estate bundle.
Related terms
Common questions
A living will states your treatment preferences. A healthcare proxy or healthcare power of attorney names who makes decisions. A healthcare directive typically includes both in one document.
Without a directive, doctors follow standard protocols — typically every life-sustaining measure available. Family members may disagree about your wishes. In some cases a court must appoint a guardian to make medical decisions, which takes time you may not have.
Requirements vary by state. Most states require two witnesses, a notary, or both. First Light's generated directive includes your state's specific execution requirements.
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