Those of us who have witnessed our loved ones in critical health conditions understand the guilt and conflict associated with either maintenance on life support or “pulling the plug.” With a Health Care Directive , your loved ones won’t have the pangs of guilt for removing you from life support, because you have already made that decision for yourself—you’re asking that your loved ones merely carry out your wishes. A Health Care Directive is not a legally binding document, but it does provide health-care professionals (and your loved ones) with instructions on how YOU would like your end-of-life treatment and care once you can no longer physically communicate those interests. This document should be kept by those loved ones you trust to make end-of-life decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated, as well as your physician.

Alongside the Health Care Directive, you should have another document granting Permission to Access Personal Medical Information  by granting your trusted loved ones with “permission” to access personal medical information. This document allows your loved ones to view your medical records and discuss your situation and care with your medical providers in order to determine the best course of action for your care.

Granting the Power of Attorney (“POA”) acts as another critical step in estate planning. The POA allows your designated agent the legal authority to make important financial and business decisions, as well as other matters, in your place. The specific powers you would like to have granted to your agent will be decided by you in the Power of Attorney document.