healthcare directives

Protect Your Medical Decisions with a Customized Healthcare Directive

Making decisions about your healthcare can be difficult enough, but imagining a situation where you can’t speak for yourself can be even more daunting. With a Healthcare Directive, you ensure that your medical wishes are known and respected when it matters most.

At Rodney D. Anderson Law Offices, LLC, we help you protect your voice, giving your loved ones clarity and peace of mind in the most critical moments. Let us guide you through creating a directive that reflects your values and preferences.

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Rochester Healthcare Directives Lawyer

What Is a Healthcare Directive?

A Healthcare Directive (also known as an advance directive or living will) is a legal document that outlines your medical treatment preferences in the event you are unable to communicate them due to illness or incapacity. It allows you to specify what kind of medical care you want or do not want, such as life-prolonging treatment or end of life support. Additionally, a healthcare directive can appoint a healthcare agent — someone you trust — to make healthcare decisions on your behalf, ensuring your wishes are respected.

Legal Requirements for a Healthcare Directive in Minnesota

In Minnesota, healthcare directives must meet specific legal requirements to be valid. These include:

  • Written and Dated: The directive must be in writing and include the date it was created.
  • Principal’s Name: State the name of the person creating it (the “principal”).
  • Signed: It must be executed/signed by the principal.
  • Witnesses or Notary: The directive must contain verification of the principal’s signature either by signing in front of two adult witnesses or a notary public following the requirements of Minnesota law.

By ensuring these legal requirements are met, your healthcare directive becomes a binding document that clearly outlines your medical care preferences.

Who Should I Choose as My Healthcare Agent?

Choosing a healthcare agent is an important decision. Your agent must be 18 years or older and should be someone you trust to make difficult medical decisions on your behalf and who understands your values and healthcare preferences. Consider selecting someone who:

  • Is Reliable: Choose someone who is capable of handling stressful situations and making decisions under pressure.
  • Understands Your Wishes: Ensure they are familiar with your healthcare preferences and are willing to advocate for them.
  • Is Available: It’s important that your agent is accessible in case of emergency, whether geographically close or easily reachable.
  • Is Assertive: Your agent may need to stand firm with medical staff or family members to ensure your wishes are followed.

Additionally, choose someone who is comfortable taking on this responsibility and is willing to have open, honest conversations about your medical care and end-of-life wishes.

Benefits of Establishing a Healthcare Directive

A Healthcare Directive provides several important benefits:

1. Control Over Medical Decisions: It ensures that your treatment preferences are respected, even if you’re unable to communicate them.

2. Prevents Family Disputes: By clearly outlining your wishes, a healthcare directive helps prevent conflicts or confusion among family members about your care.

3. Peace of Mind: You and your loved ones can feel reassured, knowing that your healthcare preferences are legally documented and will be followed by medical professionals.

Our Healthcare Directive Services

At Rodney D. Anderson Law Offices, LLC, we assist you in creating a Healthcare Directive that reflects your medical wishes and appoints a trusted healthcare agent. Our services include:

  • Personalized Guidance: We take the time to understand your healthcare preferences and ensure they are clearly outlined in your directive.
  • Legal Expertise: We ensure your healthcare directive complies with Minnesota law and is legally enforceable.
  • Ongoing Support: As your medical needs or preferences change, we help update your directive to reflect your current wishes.

Why Choose Rodney D. Anderson Law Offices, LLC?

At Rodney D. Anderson Law Offices, LLC, we bring over 30 years of experience in estate planning and healthcare directives, providing compassionate and personalized legal support. Our client-centered approach ensures that your healthcare wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable. We offer flexible appointments, including Zoom consultations and house calls, to accommodate your needs. With our commitment to understanding your unique circumstances, you can trust that your healthcare decisions will be protected and respected.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Directives

Yes, you can update or revoke your healthcare directive at any time, as long as you are mentally competent.

It’s a good idea to review and update your directive after major life changes, such as a new diagnosis, marriage, divorce, or moving to a new state.

You can name an alternate agent in your directive to ensure someone is always available to make decisions on your behalf.

Most states honor healthcare directives prepared in accordance with another state’s law. It is important to ensure that your directive complies with the laws of the state in which you reside.

It’s important to keep your healthcare directive in a place where it can be easily accessed in an emergency. Provide copies to your healthcare agent, close family members, and your primary care physician. Avoid keeping it in a safe deposit box, as it may be difficult to access when needed.

Protect Your Healthcare Wishes Today


Ensure your medical preferences are respected with a personalized Healthcare Directive. At Rodney D. Anderson Law Offices, LLC, we offer expert legal guidance to help you create a directive that outlines your healthcare decisions and appoints a trusted healthcare agent. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Protect your legacy with Rodney D. Anderson Law Offices. Our experienced estate planning attorneys in Rochester, MN, will create a personalized plan to ensure your assets are distributed as you wish.

phone

(507) 288-3156

address

206 South Broadway, Suite 404
Rochester, MN 55904

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