What Is An Advance Directive?

An advance directive is a legal document that specifies your medical treatment preferences and designates a decision maker if you lose the capacity to make healthcare choices.

Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC, is a Gettysburg law firm that assists Pennsylvania residents with advance directives and comprehensive estate planning. Our firm delivers transparent, affordable legal guidance to keep your medical decisions in your hands.

Types Of Advance Directives In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law recognizes distinct documents that outline your medical choices and authority. Creating these documents ensures your family and medical providers follow your instructions.

• Living will: This document specifies the exact medical treatments and life-sustaining measures you accept or refuse if you suffer an end-stage medical condition or permanent unconsciousness.
• Healthcare power of attorney: This document names a trusted person, known as your healthcare agent or proxy, to make medical decisions on your behalf if you lose decision-making capacity.

You can combine these components into a single document or keep them separate depending on your planning goals.

When Should You Create An Advance Directive?

You should create an advance directive as soon as you reach adulthood. Medical emergencies can happen unexpectedly at any age. Creating these documents early grants peace of mind to you and your family.

You retain full authority to modify or revoke your advance directive at any time as long as you remain competent. You can update your designated healthcare agent or change your treatment preferences whenever your personal situation or wishes change.

What Happens If You Do Not Have An Advance Directive?

If you do not have an advance directive, Pennsylvania law limits who can make medical choices for you during a health crisis. Family members will face uncertainty and possible disagreements regarding your care preferences.

In a health crisis, you may not be able to communicate. Without your preferences documented through a living will or a person authorized through an advance directive, your medical team might not know what you want or who should make decisions on your behalf. Your family would have to ask a court to appoint a legal guardian for you.

Our proactive planning approach structures clear legal documents today to prevent bitter disputes and protect your family from unnecessary court proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Advance Directives

Here are answers to a couple of questions you may have. If you have additional specific questions, we are happy to answer them in a consultation.

Who should I choose as my healthcare agent or proxy?

You should choose an adult who understands your values, respects your medical wishes and remains calm during high-stress medical decisions. Select someone who communicates effectively with physicians and advocates firmly for your documented preferences.

Many people select a spouse, adult child, relative or trusted close friend. You can also name alternate agents if your primary selection becomes unavailable or is unable to serve.

Can I change my advance directive after it’s signed?

Yes, you can change or revoke your advance directive at any time, provided you still possess decision-making capacity. To update your directive, you would execute a new document that revokes all prior versions and reflects your current wishes.

You should then provide copies of your updated directive to your physician, designated healthcare agent and family members to ensure everyone maintains accurate records.

Why Choose Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC, For Estate Planning?

Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC, brings 40 years of local experience to your legal planning. Founded in 1986, our firm serves residents throughout Gettysburg and Adams County with caring, educational legal assistance.

Our attorneys bring legal knowledge and community involvement to every client:

• Members of our legal team maintain active membership in the Pennsylvania Bar and the Adams County Bar Association.
• Attorney Kristin Rice served as a former President of the Adams County Bar Association, taught criminal law and business law as a professor at Harrisburg Area Community College, and holds Death Penalty Certification under Rule 801.
• Attorney Patrick Quinn serves as an adjunct professor of business law at Harrisburg Area Community College in Gettysburg, a role he has held since 2000.
• Attorney John Wolfe earned recognition as “Adams County’s Best Lawyer” by Celebrate Gettysburg Magazine.

Our clients value our commitment to solving problems outside the courtroom. Our client reviews highlight that our legal advice gives peace of mind and resolves complex issues without court action.

Schedule An Affordable Estate Planning Consultation

Protect your medical autonomy and ease the burden on your loved ones in an emergency by establishing an advance directive as part of your estate plan. Contact Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC, today to schedule an affordable consultation with an estate planning attorney. Call 717-438-2520 or send us an email.