Texas Advance Directive Attorney
If you are preparing for retirement or facing medical challenges, an advance directive is an important document to have in place. You may also want to create an advance directive if you have strong preferences regarding the medical care you may receive.
With more than 25 years of legal experience, attorney Traci Hutton at Traci Hutton, Attorney At Law, can help you create an advance directive that clearly conveys your wishes. Working with a longtime local attorney of the Grapevine area is a solid choice for residents of north-central Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth area and can help you protect your future.
What Is An Advance Medical Directive, And What Does It Do?
An advance directive is a legal document that describes your medical preferences. It may include a living will or directive to physicians and family or surrogates, as well as a medical power of attorney. The directive itself explains preferences regarding medical decisions, while medical power of attorney grants a trusted person authority to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated.
What Are The Limitations Of An Advance Directive?
An advance directive does not address consent to mental health services, such as electroconvulsive therapy. You cannot provide instructions to authorize abortion or assisted suicide. Instructions to withhold artificial nutrition and hydration are likely unenforceable, as they violate state law.
What Can You Include In An Advance Medical Directive?
Your advance directive can name your medical agent. You can leave instructions regarding common forms of life-sustaining care. You can address pain management and anatomical donations. You can even provide information about your preferred medical facility or whether you would like to undergo palliative care at home.
What Are The Requirements For A Valid Directive?
For your directive to be valid in Texas, you must be a competent adult. You need to have two competent adult witnesses or a notary present when the advance directive is signed.
Can You Revoke Your Advance Directive?
Yes, you can revoke your advance directive at any time by destroying the document or replacing it with a new document.
Call Today To Get Started
If you are ready to add an advance directive to your estate plan, contact Traci Hutton, Attorney At Law, at 817-778-4543 or online to schedule your free consultation here in Grapevine, Texas. Our lawyer, Traci Hutton, offers experienced insights into the entire estate planning process.