There are typically two types of advance directives:

LIVING WILLS

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE

People often misunderstand the circumstances under which each apply.

Living Wills will only apply to a situation involving a terminal condition. Often referred to as a "pull the plug" type of decision, this document allows an individual to articulate their feelings regarding this situation and let's the individual dictate who should make that type of decision for them.

A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care is a much broader document. It allows the named individuals to act on your behalf in many other medical situations. It can typically be used for every decision relating to medical requirements EXCEPT the "pull the plug" decision outlined above.

As a result, it is critical to have both documents. Because we never know how or when something will happen to us, it is critical that we put both in place to ensure that you are protected no matter what happens in your life.