Why Everyone Over 18 Should Have an Advance Directive
Dec. 30, 2025
Life can change in a heartbeat. An unexpected illness, accident, or medical emergency could leave you unable to voice your wishes. While many believe advance directives are only for older adults or those with health concerns, this misconception often leaves families overwhelmed during already difficult times. When wishes aren’t written down, loved ones may feel unsure, conflicted, or pressured to make decisions without guidance. Planning is about clarity, dignity, and reducing stress for the people you care about most.
At the Law Offices of Julie A. Schejbal, CHTD, we help individuals and families in Dunkirk, Maryland, and the surrounding areas take thoughtful steps to protect their futures. We help clients prepare advance directives that reflect personal values and real-life situations.
Planning should never feel intimidating or rushed. That's why we focus on listening, clearly explaining options, and helping you make informed decisions that bring peace of mind. Reach out to us to begin a conversation with an advance directive attorney about your planning goals.
What an Advance Directive Really Does
An advance directive is a powerful legal tool that keeps your healthcare wishes known and respected if you ever become unable to communicate them yourself. Far beyond simply naming someone to make decisions for you, an advance directive provides clear guidance to medical professionals, family members, and loved ones during high-emotion moments.
Key functions of an advance directive include:
Designating a healthcare decision-maker: This person, often called a healthcare proxy or agent, is authorized to make medical decisions on your behalf. You can specify exactly what decisions they can make and under what circumstances, making sure your voice is still heard even when you can’t speak for yourself.
Clarifying treatment preferences: You can outline the types of medical interventions you do or don‘t want, including resuscitation, ventilators, feeding tubes, or other life-sustaining measures. This guidance helps doctors act in alignment with your wishes while avoiding confusion or delays in critical care.
Providing instructions on pain management and comfort care: You can specify how you want to manage pain and discomfort, even if some treatments are limited. This allows your dignity and quality of life to remain a priority, no matter the circumstances.
Addressing end-of-life care choices: You can express your preferences for hospice, palliative care, or other supportive services, including your choice to stay at home, in a hospital, or another care setting. Providing this clarity eases the burden on loved ones facing difficult decisions.
Incorporating personal, cultural, or religious values: An advance directive can include guidance on your spiritual beliefs, moral values, and cultural practices, so that your care reflects what matters most to you.
By creating an advance directive, you reduce uncertainty and prevent family conflicts during critical healthcare decisions. Without this document, loved ones may be forced to make choices under pressure, potentially leading to disagreements or decisions that don’t reflect your true wishes.
Working with an advance directive attorney helps make sure that the document is comprehensive, legally valid, and tailored to your specific needs. The attorney can help you think through various medical scenarios, explain state-specific requirements, and make sure your instructions are clear, enforceable, and respected by healthcare providers.
Ultimately, an advance directive is about control, clarity, and peace of mind—giving you the confidence that your wishes will guide your care, and relieving your loved ones from the burden of making difficult decisions without guidance.
Why Waiting Until Later Can Cause Problems
Many people believe they can put off creating an advance directive until “later,” often delaying until a health crisis occurs. However, waiting can lead to significant challenges for you and your loved ones, leaving vital decisions uncertain during already stressful times.
Emergencies don’t follow a schedule: Medical crises, accidents, or sudden illnesses can occur unexpectedly at any age. Without an advance directive in place, doctors and family members are left to make urgent decisions without knowing your preferences.
Increased stress and uncertainty for loved ones: Without clear instructions, family members may clash over the “right” course of action. These disagreements often occur during emotionally charged moments, adding to the stress and sometimes leading to lasting tension within the family.
Potential legal and medical complications: Hospitals and healthcare providers are required to comply with state laws governing decision-making when a patient can’t communicate. Without a legally valid advance directive, your family may need to petition the court to gain authority to make decisions on your behalf, creating delays and additional legal stress.
Lost opportunity for thoughtful planning: Creating an advance directive in advance allows you to carefully consider your priorities, consult with an attorney, and make informed choices about medical care, pain management, and end-of-life preferences. Waiting until a crisis occurs often forces rushed decisions that may not fully reflect your values or desires.
Financial and insurance considerations: Certain healthcare choices, including long-term care or hospice arrangements, may be impacted by timing and prior planning. An advance directive helps make sure that your medical and financial decisions align, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary expenses or disputes.
By working with an advance directive attorney before an emergency arises, you can avoid these pitfalls. The process provides clarity for your healthcare team, reduces stress for your family, and gives you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be honored. Planning ahead isn’t pessimistic—it’s a responsible and compassionate step for yourself and those you care about most.
Key Decisions You Can Address in an Advance Directive
An advance directive allows you to address several important topics related to your healthcare. These decisions give direction to medical providers and your chosen decision-maker when you’re unable to communicate.
Before listing specific elements, it helps to think about what matters most to you and what concerns you have about future medical care. Once those priorities are clear, the document can accurately reflect them.
Healthcare decision-maker selection: Choosing someone you trust to speak on your behalf when you can’t make medical decisions yourself, including consent authority, communication expectations, and decision limits.
Life-sustaining treatment preferences: Stating whether you want interventions such as ventilators or feeding tubes in certain situations, including temporary use, long-term care, or irreversible conditions.
Pain management wishes: Clarifying how you want discomfort addressed, even if treatment choices are limited, including medication preferences, comfort measures, and quality-of-life priorities.
End-of-life care choices: Sharing preferences about comfort care, hospice involvement, or other supportive services, including care setting, family involvement, and emotional support considerations.
Religious or personal values: Noting beliefs that should guide medical decisions during serious illness, including cultural practices, spiritual guidance, and moral boundaries for treatment.
These decisions aren’t about predicting every scenario. They’re about giving guidance rooted in your values. After completing this step, many clients feel relieved knowing their wishes are clearly documented and legally recognized.
How an Advance Directive Supports Your Loved Ones
Advance directives aren’t just about medical care; they’re also about protecting the people you care about. When loved ones know your wishes, they’re less likely to question themselves or each other during difficult moments.
Clear documentation reduces stress during emergencies. Instead of guessing, your chosen decision-maker can focus on honoring your instructions. This clarity often helps families stay united during times of crisis.
Working with an advance directive attorney helps make the document thorough and easy to follow. That way, your loved ones don’t face uncertainty or legal hurdles when time matters most. Planning is one of the most considerate steps you can take for those closest to you.
Call Us Today to Take Control of Your Future With an Advance Directive
Planning can feel uncomfortable, but it’s one of the most meaningful gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones. An advance directive gives direction, reduces stress, and helps protect your dignity during critical moments. At the Law Offices of Julie A. Schejbal, CHTD, we assist clients in Dunkirk, Maryland, and throughout Calvert County, Prince George’s County, Charles County, and St. Mary’s County with planning that reflects real-life needs.
Our attorney works closely with each client to create documents that provide clarity and confidence. If you’ve been thinking about working with an advance directive attorney, now is a good time to start. Call today to schedule a consultation and take an important step toward protecting your future.