ADVANCE

DIRECTIVES

IN NEW YORKWhat They Do and Why You Need

Them

Making Your Choices Known

Making Your Choices Known

An advance directive is a type of legal document that allows you to control the kind of health care you

do or do not want to receive should you one day become

incapacitated

In New York there are two essential types of advance

directive

THE LIVING WILL1

sometimes known as a health care power of attorney

THE LIVING WILL1

THE HEALTH CARE PROXY,

2

Creation of Advance Directives

If you want to make any kind of advance directive in the state of

New York, you must meet two minimum

requirements

First, you must be at least 18 years old

First, you must be at least 18 years old

Second, you have to be of sound mind

Living Will

Living Will

EXPRESSING YOUR CHOICES

Living wills are documents in which you state your

medical choices

Should you become incapacitated, your health care providers will refer to your living will when

determining what kind of care or treatment to give you

Health Care Proxy

SOMEONE ELSE MAKES YOUR CHOICES

A health care proxy gives you the ability to name someone else who

will make DECISIONS ON YOUR BEHALF

Should you become incapacitated, your proxy will be able to talk to your doctors

and tell them what kind of care you should or

should not receive

PROXIES

Your Representative

ALMOST ANYONE can serve as your

health care proxy or agent

However, you cannot choose your doctor, or someone

employed by your hospital or nursing home, unless that

person is a member of your family

DETAILS

Many Options

Advance directives give you the option to make your choices in a

legally enforceable manner, but it’s up to you to decide the

kind of care you do or do not wish to receive

Always talk to your attorney to make sure you create directives

that are specific enough to make sure your choices will be

honored

If you want to learn more about advance directives in

New York, or need help in creating one,

our firm can help

Contact the Law Office of Michael Robinson, PC at (585) 374-5210 to

schedule a FREE CONSULTATION

Click to visit:

www.mrobinsonlaw.com