Advance Directives

An Advance Directive is one of the most meaningful documents you can create. It gives you control over your medical care if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself and ensures your loved ones and doctors know exactly what your wishes are.

At Holt Legacy Law, we help Maryland families prepare clear, legally valid advance directives that reflect their values, reduce uncertainty, and bring peace of mind during life’s most difficult moments.

What an Advance Directive Does

An Advance Directive, sometimes called a Living Will, lets you decide ahead of time what kind of medical treatment you would, or would not, want if you’re incapacitated.

It typically includes two main parts:

1. Appointment of a Health Care Agent
This section allows you to name a trusted person to make medical decisions for you if you can’t. Your agent can speak with doctors, review treatment options, and ensure your preferences are followed.

2. Health Care Instructions (Living Will)
Here, you can document your wishes about life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, pain management, and end-of-life care.

Together, these provisions empower your loved ones to honor your choices with clarity and confidence.

Why Every Adult Should Have an Advance Directive

Medical emergencies can happen at any age. Without an advance directive, family members may struggle to make difficult decisions or even disagree about what you would have wanted.

Creating one provides:

• Clear direction for your medical care

• Relief for your loved ones from having to guess or argue about your wishes

• The ability to choose who makes decisions, rather than leaving it to the courts or default state laws

• Confidence that your doctors will follow your stated preferences

Even if you’re young and healthy, having this document in place protects you and your family from unnecessary confusion or conflict.

How Advance Directives Work with Powers of Attorney

An Advance Directive works hand-in-hand with your Power of Attorney.
While the Power of Attorney covers your financial and legal decisions, the Advance Directive covers your medical decisions.

Together, these documents ensure that both your financial and health care matters are managed smoothly if you can’t make decisions yourself.
Learn more about Powers of Attorney »

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Many people believe a short hospital form is enough, but those forms are often temporary or incomplete. Others forget to provide copies to their family or doctors.

At Holt Legacy Law, we ensure your Advance Directive is:

• Fully compliant with Maryland’s legal requirements

• Detailed enough to address real-life medical scenarios

• Shared appropriately with your doctors and loved ones

• Stored safely and accessible when needed most

How Holt Legacy Law Can Help

At Holt Legacy Law, we take the time to guide you through every choice with compassion and clarity. You’ll never be rushed or left uncertain about what your document means.

We will:

• Help you articulate your values and treatment preferences

• Name a trusted health care agent and define their role clearly

• Ensure your directive complies with Maryland law and medical practices

• Coordinate your Advance Directive with your Power of Attorney and Trust

Our goal is simple: to help you plan with confidence and spare your family from making painful decisions in a crisis.

Start Planning Today

An Advance Directive is one of the kindest gifts you can give your loved ones as it removes guesswork and provides comfort in knowing they are honoring your wishes.