Health Care Directives

Make Sure Your Medical Wishes Are Followed

Imagine a situation where you’re unable to communicate your healthcare preferences due to illness or injury. An important step in protecting your future well-being is creating a Washington advance healthcare directive. This legal document allows you to clearly outline your wishes for medical care in scenarios where you can’t speak for yourself.

What is an Advance Health Care Directive?

An advance healthcare directive, as defined by Washington’s Natural Death Act, empowers you to provide advance instructions for your medical care. It serves as a guide for your doctors, ensuring they understand your preferences regarding treatment decisions. This document isn’t meant to outline every aspect of your care, but rather focuses on critical choices surrounding life-sustaining measures in the event of an irreversible, terminal condition. Importantly, Washington law acknowledges the directive’s instructions as conclusive, meaning your family and healthcare agent are legally bound to respect your wishes.

health care directives in Washington state

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Combined Power of Advance Directives and Healthcare Power of Attorney

While an advance healthcare directive tackles end-of-life decisions, it doesn’t encompass all potential medical scenarios requiring choices. This is where a healthcare power of attorney comes in. A healthcare POA designates a trusted individual to make medical decisions on your behalf during times of incapacity. Our Washington estate planning lawyers can provide a comprehensive explanation of how these two documents work in tandem and assist you in choosing the right person for your healthcare agent role.

Don't Wait to Take Control - Schedule a Consultation Today!

Don’t leave your healthcare decisions to chance. At Harbor Law Firm, our experienced estate planning attorneys can guide you through the creation of a personalized advance healthcare directive, ensuring your voice is heard when it matters most. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can help you achieve peace of mind.