Living Wills & Advance Directives in Round Rock

Texas Requirements for a Valid Living Will

The Texas Advance Directives Act, found in Chapter 166 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, governs directives to physicians, medical powers of attorney, and do-not-resuscitate orders. To create a living will, you must be competent, which means you can understand the document and the choices it contains.

A Texas living will generally must be signed using one of these methods:

• Two witnesses: You sign in the presence of two qualified witnesses. At least one must satisfy additional disinterested-witness requirements under Texas law.
• Notary acknowledgment: Your signature is acknowledged before a notary instead of witnesses, provided the applicable statutory requirements are met.

You can change or revoke an advance directive at any time. Texas law doesn’t require you to remain competent to revoke it, although the method and documentation of the revocation can matter. We can explain the execution and revocation rules that apply to your documents.

How Living Wills & Other Medical Directives Work Together

Each advance directive serves a different purpose, so a complete incapacity plan may include several documents. Understanding their roles can help prevent gaps or conflicting instructions.

Living Will
A Directive to Physicians states your preferences for life-sustaining treatment if you have a terminal or irreversible condition and can’t communicate your wishes.

Medical Power of Attorney
A medical power of attorney names a health care agent to make medical decisions whenever you lack decision-making capacity. Its role isn’t limited to end-of-life care.

Do-Not-Resuscitate Order
A do-not-resuscitate order specifically addresses whether resuscitation should be attempted. It’s separate from a living will and doesn’t control other forms of treatment or care.