Your Medical Decisions. Your Voice. Your Terms.
Medical emergencies don't wait for the right time. They happen suddenly, unexpectedly, and often when you can't speak for yourself. A Living Will, known in Texas as a Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates, is how you make sure your voice is still heard even when you can't communicate.
We help our clients across Texas and New Mexico put their healthcare wishes in writing, so doctors and family members know exactly what to do when critical decisions need to be made.
What Happens Without One?
When someone can't communicate and hasn't left clear instructions, families are left guessing. They argue. They second guess themselves. They wonder if they're doing what you would have wanted. And doctors can't act with confidence because they don't know your wishes.
A Living Will removes all of that uncertainty. It tells everyone exactly what you want, so your family doesn't have to carry the weight of those decisions alone.
It's Not Just for the Elderly
A lot of people think Living Wills are only for seniors or people who are already sick. That's not true. Medical emergencies happen at every age. Car accidents, sudden illnesses, complications during surgery. If you're a parent, someone undergoing medical treatment, or just someone who wants control over their own healthcare, you may want this document.
How It Works with Your Medical Power of Attorney
A Living Will and a Medical Power of Attorney are two different things, and you need both. The Living Will outlines your specific wishes about life sustaining treatment. The Medical Power of Attorney names someone you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf any time you lack capacity, not just at end of life.
They work together. The Living Will gives your agent clear guidance about what you want. The Medical Power of Attorney gives them the legal authority to make it happen.
When It Applies and When It Doesn't
Your Living Will only kicks in when you have a terminal or irreversible condition as certified by a physician. It doesn't control routine care or ordinary treatment when you're expected to recover. If you break your leg or have pneumonia, your Living Will stays on the shelf. It's only for situations where life sustaining treatment is keeping you alive but you're not going to get better.
Changing or Canceling It
You can revoke your Living Will at any time by physically destroying it, creating a written and dated revocation, or making a verbal statement declaring your intention to revoke. When you revoke it, you need to inform your medical staff promptly so they can update your medical record.
Healthcare providers won't be liable for acting on the instructions in your Living Will if they weren't aware you changed your mind.
How We Approach This
Talking about end-of-life care isn't easy. We get that. When you work with us, we explain your options without rushing you or using confusing legal jargon. We help you think through what matters to you and draft a Living Will that captures it accurately. Our approach is straightforward, respectful, and focused on making sure your plan provides clarity when your family needs it most.
Why Wait
None of us know when something might happen. Having a Living Will in place protects your dignity, reduces stress on your family, and makes sure your wishes are followed. It's a simple document that makes an enormous difference when it matters most.
For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online.