Advance Directives to Secure Your Health Care Wishes

Texas law recognizes your right to decide about your future medical care through advance directives. These crucial legal documents help ensure your health care preferences are honored if you cannot communicate them. This is precisely why making these decisions requires careful consideration and proper legal documentation to be valid under Texas law.

I am John T. Elliott, a board-certified attorney in Houston, and I focus exclusively on helping individuals and families protect their wishes through proper estate planning. For 20 years, Elliott Estate Law, PLLC, has guided Houston and Montgomery County residents in creating legally sound advance directives.

What Are Advance Directives?

They are legal documents that outline your health care preferences and identify who can make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. These documents give you control over your future medical care and provide clear guidance to your family and health care providers.

Types of Advance Directives

Advance directives are not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several types, each serving a specific purpose:

• Living will: Outlines your preferences for end-of-life care.
• Medical power of attorney: Designates someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
• Out-of-hospital do-not-resuscitate (DNR): Prevents resuscitation efforts outside a hospital.

As your lawyer, I will take the time to explain each option and help you make informed decisions that align with your values and wishes.

Who Makes Decisions if You Do not Have an Advance Directive?

Without an advance directive in Texas, medical decisions may fall to your next of kin, following a specific order defined by state law. This can lead to confusion, family conflicts and decisions that might not align with your wishes. Health care providers may be forced to pursue aggressive treatments you would not have chosen for yourself.

Defining Your Medical Treatment Preferences

Having worked with numerous Houston families, I understand how personal these decisions are. I can help you:

• Clearly document your preferences for medical treatments
• Choose a trusted agent to make decisions on your behalf
• Ensure your documents comply with Texas law
• Update your directives as your circumstances change
• Coordinate your advance directives with your overall estate plan

Each situation is unique, and cookie-cutter solutions may not work.

Call Today for Skilled Guidance

Call the Echo Lane office of Elliott Estate Law, PLLC, at (281) 990-1990 or fill out my online contact form to receive the personal attention of a dedicated local attorney. I will meet with you, answer your questions and help you put these important protections in place.