Make Medical Decisions Now — So Your Family Isn’t Forced To Later
Appoint the Right People. Document Your Wishes. Avoid Future Conflict.
An advance directive and living will allow you to clearly state your medical care preferences — and designate someone you trust to speak for you if you can’t speak for yourself. These documents are a vital part of every estate plan and ensure your family won’t be left to guess or argue during a crisis.
Don’t Leave These Decisions to Chance
Without a medical directive in place, decisions about life support, treatment preferences, or long-term care could fall to people you never intended — or to doctors without full context. These documents help keep control in your hands.
Advance Directive
Combines your written instructions and your chosen healthcare proxy to handle decisions if you’re unable to.
Living Will
Outlines your wishes for end-of-life medical care, including resuscitation, feeding tubes, and life-sustaining treatments.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Names the person who can legally speak on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
Medical Preferences Clarity
Avoid confusion by stating what you do and do not want in specific healthcare scenarios.
Emergencies don’t wait for legal paperwork. Having your preferences documented now means your family isn’t burdened with making painful guesses in a moment of stress.
When Every Second Counts, Your Wishes Should Already Be Clear
Stay in control of your medical decisions
Choose the person you trust to speak for you
Avoid family conflict during difficult times
Document end-of-life preferences
Ensure dignity and peace of mind for all involved
Comply with Illinois and Missouri healthcare directive laws
The Risks of Having No Healthcare Directive
When no documents exist, doctors default to emergency protocols — and your loved ones may disagree or be excluded from decisions altogether.
Unwanted medical interventions
Family stress and disagreement
Delays in care decisions
Court-appointed guardianship
No access to medical records for loved ones
Decisions made by the wrong person
Frequently Asked Questions About Advance Directives & Living Wills
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What’s the difference between an advance directive and a living will?
A living will specifies your treatment preferences; an advance directive includes that and also names your healthcare proxy.
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Do I need a medical power of attorney?
Yes — it ensures someone you trust can make decisions for you if you’re incapacitated.
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Are these documents legally binding?
Yes, when properly executed. We’ll ensure they meet all legal requirements for Illinois or Missouri.
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What if I change my mind later?
You can update your documents at any time. We encourage regular reviews as your life circumstances change.
This Planning Is for You If You:
Want control over medical treatment decisions
Are aging or managing a chronic illness
Have strong views about life support or end-of-life care
Want to ease the burden on your family
Need to coordinate with doctors or hospitals
Want your values honored during medical emergencies
