Living Wills & Power of Attorney

Protect Your Wishes With Advance Health Care Directives

One of the most difficult parts of end-of-life planning is also one of the most important. If you become unable to communicate your own wishes, a living will or advance health care directive may be the only way your family members and medical providers can understand what you want to happen.

Advance health care directives and medical powers of attorney may be part of an estate plan or standalone documents. At Owens Law Firm, we help clients make sure their medical wishes will be carried out if they ever become incapacitated. Some of the types of documents we can draft include:

• • Medical power of attorney: This is the person whom you must trust to make decisions regarding your health and welfare in the event you are permanently or temporarily incapacitated to do so.
  • Durable power of attorney: This is the person whom you most trust to look after your personal and financial affairs in the event you are permanently or temporarily incapacitated to do so.
  • Advance health care directives: If you do not have a Medical Power of Attorney, these people will be able to expressly communicate your wishes regarding end-of-life to physicians who may treat you.

• HIPAA: This is a list of people who can access your health records.

• Draft Your Living Will: Include specific instructions for medical care, covering situations like life support and resuscitation.
• Sign in the Presence of Witnesses or a Notary: Texas law requires either two witnesses (who meet specific eligibility requirements) or a notary public to observe and verify your signature.
• Keep Your Will Accessible: Store your living will in a secure but accessible location and inform family members and medical professionals where it can be found.

Taking these steps can help ensure that your healthcare preferences are respected. Consulting with a living will lawyer can provide you with guidance on this process, helping you create a living will that offers peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Creating a Healthcare Directive in Texas

A healthcare directive, sometimes called a living will, allows you to document your medical preferences in case you’re unable to make decisions on your own. In Texas, this directive is a legal way to ensure your voice is heard even when you can’t speak for yourself.

Whether it’s guidance on life-sustaining treatments or comfort-focused care, a clear directive gives your loved ones and doctors the confidence to follow your wishes. At Paul Owens Law, we work closely with clients to create healthcare directives that are clear, thorough, and aligned with their values.

Changing Advance Directives in Texas

Life can change quickly, and your medical preferences may change with it. In Texas, you have the right to update or revoke your advance directives at any time, as long as you’re mentally capable of doing so. This flexibility means you can revisit your documents after major life events like a diagnosis, surgery, or a shift in your personal beliefs.

Making sure your advance directives reflect your current wishes is an important part of keeping your estate plan up to date. Paul Owens Law can help you review your existing documents and make any necessary changes with confidence and clarity.

The Benefits of Having a Healthcare Directive as Part of an Estate Plan in Texas

Including a healthcare directive in your estate plan helps remove uncertainty during emotional and high-pressure moments. It provides clear instructions for your care and relieves loved ones from having to make difficult medical decisions on your behalf.
When part of a comprehensive estate plan, a healthcare directive can:

• Ensure your medical wishes are honored
• Prevent confusion or disagreements among family members
• Guide your appointed healthcare agent with clarity
• Reduce delays in receiving appropriate care
• Provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones

A well-prepared directive is more than just a document, it’s a way to maintain control and dignity in uncertain situations.

Guidance From A Lawyer With A Health Care Background

Attorney Paul Owens brings a rare perspective to end-of-life planning, having spent 15 years as a hospital administrator before transitioning to practicing law. He draws on his background to help clients prepare comprehensive healthcare directives that protect their wishes when the unthinkable happens.

Contact Us For A Free Consultation

We welcome all prospective clients to schedule a free initial consultation to learn more about how we can help. Please call us at 210-695-5110 or send us a message through our online form. Based in Helotes, Texas, we work with clients to develop estate plans and navigate probate in Alamo Ranch and the San Antonio area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an advance health care directive, and why do I need one?

It is a legal document that outlines your medical wishes if you become unable to speak for yourself. It helps guide doctors and loved ones during serious health situations.

How is a medical power of attorney different from an advance directive?

A medical power of attorney names someone to make decisions for you. An advance directive gives specific instructions about the care you want, such as life support or resuscitation.

Do I need a lawyer to create these documents in Texas?

You are not required to have one, but a lawyer can make sure your documents follow Texas law and clearly express your wishes. This can give peace of mind to you and your family.

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