Law Firm of Rick Villarreal — Texas estate planning since 1996
Business hours, plus calls evenings & weekends · (713) 588-5914 Book a free call
Texas Estate Planning Guide
What Is a Directive to Physicians (Living Will) in Texas?
In Texas, a "living will" is called a Directive to Physicians. It speaks for you about life-sustaining treatment when you can't — but only in specific circumstances. Here's how it works.
By Rick Villarreal, Attorney · Licensed in Texas since 1996
A Directive to Physicians — what most people call a "living will" — lets you state, in advance, whether you want life-sustaining treatment if you're ever terminally or irreversibly ill and can't communicate. It speaks for you at the hardest moment, and it spares your family from having to guess what you would have wanted.
1
It states your treatment wishes
You decide whether to continue or withhold life-sustaining treatment if you reach a terminal or irreversible condition.
2
It applies only in specific situations
A directive takes effect only when you're terminally ill (death expected within six months) or in an irreversible condition, and can no longer speak for yourself.
3
It guides your doctors and family
It gives your physicians clear authority to follow your wishes, and relieves your loved ones of an impossible decision.
4
You can revoke it anytime
As long as you're able to communicate, you remain in control and can change or cancel it.
"Terminal" and "irreversible" have specific meanings
A directive doesn't apply to everyday medical care. It activates only for a terminal condition (incurable, with death expected within six months) or an irreversible condition (one you won't recover from, like advanced organ failure). For all other situations, your Medical Power of Attorney agent is the one who decides.
How it differs from a Medical Power of Attorney
These two are easy to confuse. A Medical Power of Attorney names a person to make health decisions for you across any situation. A Directive to Physicians states your specific wishes about life-sustaining treatment at the end of life. One names a decider; the other gives instructions. Most people want both.
Why it's a gift to your family
Studies show loved ones often guess wrong about end-of-life wishes. Putting yours in writing removes the guesswork — and the guilt — from the people who would otherwise have to decide for you.
Want to be sure your wishes are documented?
A quick call is all it takes to get started. No obligation, always at no charge.
Getting it done
A Directive to Physicians is a flat-fee document here, and it's included in the Complete Estate Plan. Most orders completed within one business day.
This article is general information about Texas law, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is different — for advice about your own will, speak with a licensed Texas attorney.
Make your wishes known, in your own words
A flat-fee Directive to Physicians documents your end-of-life wishes so your family never has to guess. Most orders completed within one business day.
(713) 588-5914Rick Villarreal, Attorney — Texas Estate Planning
(713) 588-5914 • [email protected] • MyTexasWills.com
State Bar of Texas since 1996 • Consultations are always at no charge.
State Bar of Texas since 1996 • Consultations are always at no charge.