Legal basics
What's a healthcare directive, and how do I make one?
Free, about 20 minutes, and a huge gift to your family.
Current as of October 2026. Laws and figures can change — see full disclaimer.
A healthcare directive (also called an advance directive) tells doctors and your family what care you'd want if you couldn't speak for yourself. It takes a very hard decision off their shoulders.
It usually has two parts
- A living will: your wishes about treatments like life support, feeding tubes and resuscitation.
- A healthcare proxy: the person who speaks for you with doctors.
Names and forms vary by state. Some states combine both parts into one form, and some use a separate form (often called a POLST) for people who are seriously ill.
How people usually make one
- Getting the state's free form. Searching "[your state] advance directive form" finds it, and doctors and hospitals usually have copies.
- Choosing a healthcare proxy and talking with them first, so they know what you want.
- Filling it in. Plain words are fine.
- Signing it the way the state requires. Most states need two witnesses or a notary.
- Giving copies to the proxy and the doctor, and keeping one in the binder.
You don't need a lawyer for this. Many hospitals and senior centers will help you fill it in for free.
A directive from one state isn't always honored in another. If you move, or spend a lot of time in another state, it's worth filling in that state's form too.
Talking it through with your proxy matters as much as the form. A 15-minute conversation now can save your family days of doubt.