Advance Directives
Advance directives help make sure the right person can speak with doctors, access information, and make health care decisions if you cannot speak for yourself.
Serving Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, and throughout the rest of Florida.
Health Care Planning Is Part of Estate Planning
Estate planning is not only about property. It is also about making sure your loved ones know who can make medical decisions, what kind of care you would want, and how providers may communicate with your chosen decision-makers.
Advance directives may include a designation of health care surrogate, living will, HIPAA authorization, and related instructions.
Advance Directives May Help If You Want To
These documents may help you:
Name someone to make medical decisions if you cannot
Give providers permission to share health information with trusted people
State your wishes about life-prolonging procedures
Reduce family conflict during a medical crisis
Coordinate medical decision-making with mental health or long-term care planning
Avoid confusion when hospitals or facilities need legal authority
How Acacia Elder Law & Estate Planning, PLLC Can Help
Draft designation of health care surrogate
Draft living will
Draft HIPAA authorization
Review and update existing docuemnts
Coordinate medical decision-makers with financial agents and trustees
Discuss mental health advance directive considerations where appropriate
How our process works
Discuss medical decision-makers
We help you think through who should serve and who should serve as backup.
Prepare documents
We draft documents that clearly identify your chosen agents and instructions.
Execute correctly
We guide signing, witnesses, and notary requirements as applicable.
Share wisely
We discuss who should receive copies and how to make documents available during a crisis.
Helpful Information to Bring to a Consultation
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Existing health care surrogate designation
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Existing living will
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HIPAA authorization
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Names of preferred decision-makers and backups
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Health care concerns, facility concerns, or mental health planning concerns
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Do not worry if you do not have every document. We can help identify what is missing based on your situation.
Serving Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast
Acacia Elder Law & Estate Planning serves clients in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, and throughout Palm Beach County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and the rest of Florida when appropriate.
Talk With Acacia Elder Law & Estate Planning
If you are unsure what your family needs, the best next step is a consultation. We can review the facts, identify available options, and help you decide what legal path makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a health care surrogate? A health care surrogate is a person you name to make health care decisions if you cannot make or communicate those decisions yourself.
What is a living will? A living will states your wishes about life-prolonging procedures in certain end-of-life or serious medical circumstances.
Why do I need a HIPAA authorization? A HIPAA authorization helps trusted people access medical information so they can assist during a health care crisis.
Are advance directives only for older adults? No. Every adult can benefit from naming trusted decision-makers and providing instructions in case of an unexpected medical event.