Advance Healthcare Directives – Ensure Your Medical Wishes Are Honored

A Living Will That Speaks for You

An advance healthcare directive—often called a living will—lets you state the medical treatment you do or don’t want if you can’t communicate. In Washington, you can outline preferences for life support, intubation, feeding tubes, resuscitation (DNR), and pain management. You can keep this document separate from, or pair it with, a healthcare power of attorney. At the Law Offices of Tresa A. Sadler PLLC, we help clients in Mill Creek, Everett, and throughout Snohomish County create clear directives that doctors will recognize and follow.

Family visiting a person in a hospital bed; grandmother, mother, and child touch his hand.

Spare Your Family the Guesswork

Serious illness or accidents can happen at any age. A directive provides guidance so your loved ones aren’t forced to make impossible choices in a crisis. It also reduces the risk of conflict among relatives and ensures your care at Swedish Mill Creek, Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, or any Washington facility aligns with your values.

Decisions Your Directive Can Cover

We walk you through choices such as life-sustaining treatment in terminal or irreversible conditions, preferred comfort care, organ donation, and instructions for end-of-life settings. Our team ensures your language is specific, compassionate, and legally sound.

Aligning With Your Broader Plan

Your directive should work alongside your broader estate plan. We coordinate your living will with your healthcare agent, financial powers of attorney, and any trusts so your wishes are consistent across documents.

Clipboard with a medical symbol and a checkmark, indicating completed health form.

Let Your Agent Access Records

Without the proper HIPAA releases, hospitals may not share information with your chosen decision-maker. We include the authorizations your providers need to speak with your agent immediately.

Keep Documents Handy and Updated

We advise clients to keep copies with their agent, primary doctor, and in the patient portal when available. Review your directive after major life events or every few years.

  • Is an advance directive legally binding in Washington?

    Yes. If properly signed and witnessed/notarized, your directive guides your providers and your healthcare agent.

  • Can I just tell my family my wishes?

    Conversations are helpful, but only a written directive is recognized legally. We recommend doing both.

  • What if I change my mind?

    You can update or revoke your directive any time while competent; we’ll make revisions simple.

Answers to Common Questions