Advanced Medical Directives in Southern Maryland
Serving Charles County, Prince George’s County & the Surrounding Area
An advanced medical directive ensures your healthcare wishes are known and followed if you become unable to communicate them yourself. In Maryland, this critical document combines a living will with a healthcare power of attorney, giving you complete control over your medical care decisions.
At SoMD Estate Planning, we guide Southern Maryland families through the process of creating comprehensive advance directives that are legally sound and clearly express your wishes.
What an Advanced Medical Directive Includes
- Living Will — Document your specific wishes regarding medical treatment, life-sustaining procedures, and end-of-life care preferences.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney — Designate a trusted person (your healthcare agent) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
- End-of-Life Care Instructions — Clearly state your preferences regarding resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, and other critical care decisions.
- HIPAA Authorization — Grant your designated agent access to your medical records so they can make informed decisions about your care.
Why Every Adult Needs an Advance Directive
Many people assume advance directives are only for the elderly, but a medical emergency can happen to anyone at any age. Without a directive in place, your family may face difficult decisions during an already stressful time, and those decisions may not align with what you would have wanted.
Maryland law recognizes advance directives created under the Health Care Decisions Act. Having a properly executed directive ensures your wishes are legally enforceable and gives your family clarity and peace of mind.
Our Process
We make creating an advance directive straightforward. After an initial consultation — in person at our White Plains office or virtually — we prepare your documents, review them with you to make sure everything reflects your wishes, and handle execution so your directive is legally valid.
Protect Your Healthcare Wishes
Schedule a contact us to discuss your advance directive needs. We’ll help you make informed decisions about your future healthcare.
Get a Contact UsRelated Estate Planning Services
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We serve families in Charles County, Prince George’s County, Calvert County, and St. Mary’s County.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I create an advance directive?
Every adult 18 and older should have one. Medical emergencies happen at any age.
Can I change my advance directive later?
Yes. You can revoke or update it any time you have capacity. Review every few years or after major life changes.
Is an advance directive the same as a DNR?
No. An advance directive covers many healthcare decisions. A DNR is a specific medical order about resuscitation only.
This service is included in our Essential Estate Package. For $1,500, we’ll prepare your Will, Advanced Medical Directive, and Power of Attorney — everything your household needs, in one streamlined process.