When people think about estate planning, they usually jump straight to wills, trusts, and who’s getting what. But one of the most important—and most overlooked—parts of any solid estate plan in Texas has nothing to do with money at all. It’s about who will speak for you if you can’t speak for yourself.
That’s where advanced health care directives come in.
These are the legal documents that spell out your wishes for medical care and name someone you trust to make health decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to. In the middle of a crisis—whether it’s a serious injury, illness, or end-of-life situation—having your health care directives in place gives your loved ones clear guidance and spares them from making heartbreaking decisions on the fly.
Let’s break down what advanced directives look like in Texas and why they’re such a crucial part of every estate plan—regardless of your age or income level.
What Are Advanced Health Care Directives in Texas?
In Texas, there are several types of advance directives that work together to cover your medical preferences:
1. Medical Power of Attorney – This document lets you appoint someone (your “agent”) to make health care decisions for you if you’re ever incapacitated. Your agent can talk to doctors, review treatment plans, and consent to or refuse procedures—just as you would.
2. Directive to Physicians and Family (also called a Living Will) – This outlines your preferences about life-sustaining treatments, such as ventilators, feeding tubes, and resuscitation, if you’re diagnosed with a terminal or irreversible condition.
3. HIPAA Authorization – This gives permission for doctors and hospitals to share your medical information with the people you choose. Without it, even your spouse or adult child might be denied access to critical info.
4. Out-of-Hospital DNR Order (optional) – This is used when you don’t want emergency personnel to perform CPR if your heart stops outside of a hospital.
Each of these documents plays a specific role, but together, they create a full safety net for your health care decisions.
Why Advanced Directives Are So Important
They protect your autonomy.
If something unexpected happens—a stroke, an accident, or a medical emergency—you may not be able to speak for yourself. With directives in place, your values and preferences will still guide your care.
They relieve stress for your family.
We’ve worked with families across Texas who had to make urgent medical decisions without knowing what their loved one really wanted. It’s painful. Clear directives remove guesswork and reduce conflict.
They keep you in control.
In the absence of a Medical Power of Attorney, Texas law uses a default order of decision-makers, starting with your spouse and adult children. That may not reflect your wishes—especially in blended families or complex relationships.
They support your broader estate plan.
Estate planning isn’t just about money—it’s about making sure your personal, legal, and health affairs are in order. Health care directives go hand-in-hand with wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
When Should You Create Health Care Directives?
Honestly? As soon as you’re 18. Once you’re a legal adult, your parents no longer have automatic authority to make medical decisions for you. And for anyone with children, property, or a partner, the need is even more urgent.
We often recommend updating or reviewing your health care directives:
- After a major life event (marriage, divorce, diagnosis)
- When you move to a new state
- Every 3–5 years, just to make sure everything still reflects your wishes
How to Set Up Your Health Care Directives in Texas
At Intrepid Paralegal Solutions LLC, we help Texans set up clear, legally sound health care directive packages—completely virtually. Our clients appreciate how easy and affordable it is to take care of something so important without needing to step foot in an office.
We’ll help you:
- Choose the right Medical Power of Attorney
- Define your end-of-life treatment preferences
- Create HIPAA releases and supporting documentation
- Notarize or witness your documents (as required)
- Keep everything organized for your family and care providers
We’ve supported clients all across the state—from retired couples in the Hill Country to busy professionals in Houston—and we always approach these conversations with compassion and clarity.
A Small Step with a Big Impact
Your health care directives may never need to be used. And hopefully, they won’t be. But if the unexpected happens, having a plan in place will make an enormous difference. Not just for your care—but for the people who care about you.
Don’t wait for a health scare to start this conversation. Visit www.ipsvirtual.com to learn how easy it is to set up your advance directives with our help. It’s one of those “adulting” tasks that brings real peace of mind—and we’re here to walk you through it every step of the way.