Care
Health care directives
This is the document families say they are most grateful for. It turns a hard guess in a hospital hallway into a clear answer.
In plain words
Write down the care you would want, and name the person who will speak for you when you can't speak for yourself.
A health care directive does two things. First, it names a person to make medical choices for you if you cannot. In Michigan this is called a patient advocate designation, and the person is your patient advocate. Your advocate signs a short acceptance form, which we include.
Second, it records your wishes, for example how you feel about life support or being cared for at home. Many people call this part a living will.
The person you name needs to know your wishes, not just hold the paper. So every plan comes with a short conversation guide to help you talk it through with them over coffee, not in a crisis.
Is this for you?
It may be a good fit if any of these sound familiar.
- Every adult, at every age
- Anyone facing surgery or a new diagnosis
- Couples who are not married (partners have no automatic say)
- Parents of children who have just turned 18
- Anyone who has strong feelings about life support, faith or place of care
What's included
Everything we do for you, written down
- Patient advocate designation, plus the acceptance form
- Your written wishes (a living will) in your own words
- HIPAA authorization for the people you choose
- A letter with funeral and burial wishes, if you want one
- A wallet card and a digital copy for your doctors
- A short conversation guide for your family
A kinder conversation
Questions worth talking through with your family
You don't need all the answers at once. These are the questions our clients say helped most.
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What makes a good day for you?
Knowing what you value most helps your advocate weigh choices you never imagined.
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How do you feel about life support?
Some want every treatment tried. Some do not. Both are fine. What matters is that someone knows.
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Where would you want to be cared for?
At home, near family, or wherever the care is best. Say it out loud once.
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Who should be with you?
And is there anyone who should not be making decisions? It is kinder to say so now.
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What about faith and comfort?
Prayers, music, a pet nearby. Small things matter in hard moments.
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Do you want to be an organ donor?
Your directive can confirm it, so family is not asked to guess.
How it works
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Step 1: Think about what matters
We share a few gentle questions before we meet, so you can reflect at your own pace.
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Step 2: Put it in words
We draft your wishes in plain sentences you would actually say, not hospital jargon.
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Step 3: Sign and give copies
Sign with witnesses, then share copies with your advocate and your doctor's office.
What it costs
Included in every plan
Part of the Will, Trust and Legacy Plans. On its own, from $450 per person.
A flat fee, agreed in writing at the end of your free first meeting. It only changes if you ask us to add something.
Can I change my mind later?
Yes, at any time. Tell your advocate and your doctor, and we will prepare a new document. Old copies should be destroyed.
Will a hospital in another state follow it?
Most hospitals honor a directive from another state. Keep a copy with you when you travel, and we can review it if you move.
Is a DNR the same thing?
No. A do-not-resuscitate order is a medical order signed by your doctor. Your directive can say you would want one, and your doctor writes it.
How can we help?
The first consultation is free and takes about an hour, at our office, in your home or by video. You will leave knowing what you need and what it costs.
Book a free consultation