Advanced Directives

What is an Advance Directive and How Does It Help You Plan Ahead?

An advance directive, sometimes also called a “living will” or a “DNR” is a legal document that lets you express your wishes about the types of medical or life-sustaining treatment you do or don’t want in case you’re ever seriously ill, injured, or unable to speak for yourself. An advance directive and a medical power of attorney can work together to guide your family and medical team during a crisis.

Advance directives are an important part of any estate plan. They help take the burden off loved ones by making your preferences clear ahead of time. Without written instructions, family members may disagree or be unsure about what to do, especially in high-stress situations. An advance directive gives them a roadmap and can prevent unnecessary delays or conflict in emergency medical decisions. Whether you’re facing a serious diagnosis or just planning ahead, this is one of the simplest, most powerful steps you can take to protect your wishes.

Like other estate planning tools, an advance directive needs to be properly drafted to be effective and legally valid. At Dale & Van Horn Law in Helena, Montana, we help individuals and families create clear, enforceable advance directives as part of a comprehensive wills and estates plan. If you want to make sure your voice is heard when it matters most, we’re here to help you put it in writing with confidence.

Book an appointment today to speak with one of our attorneys about estate planning.