An advance directive is a legally binding document that communicates your healthcare wishes if you can’t speak for yourself. It typically includes a living will and designates a healthcare power of attorney—someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf.
A living will specifically addresses end-of-life scenarios. It outlines your preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment, resuscitation, artificial nutrition, and organ donation. Unlike a general healthcare power of attorney, a living will focuses exclusively on terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness.
In Texas, these documents carry significant legal weight. Healthcare providers are required to honor advance directives, and having one in place prevents family conflict, reduces uncertainty, and ensures your voice guides your care when you cannot speak for yourself. Without these documents, your family may face difficult, costly decisions without knowing what you would have chosen and medical professionals may be unable to follow your actual wishes.
The value goes beyond peace of mind. Advance directives spare your loved ones from guilt, disagreement, and the burden of guessing. They provide a clear roadmap that everyone—your family, your doctors, and hospital staff—can follow with confidence.
Estate planning solutions tailored to your life, family, and goals.
Outlines your wishes regarding life-sustaining medical treatment, including artificial respiration, nutrition, and hydration. You specify under what circumstances you would or would not want these interventions. This document applies specifically if you have a terminal condition or are in a permanent state of unconsciousness.
Designates a trusted person—your agent—to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. Your agent has the authority to communicate with doctors, review medical records, and make treatment decisions aligned with your values and documented wishes. You can grant broad decision-making authority or limit it to specific scenarios.
Allows your healthcare providers to discuss your medical information with your designated agent and family members. Without this authorization, privacy laws may prevent doctors from sharing critical health information during an emergency.
You can specify whether you wish to donate organs, tissues, or your body for medical purposes. This document clarifies your wishes and makes the process clear for your family.
Some individuals include preferences regarding psychiatric or mental health treatment, including medication preferences or facility choices. This component is particularly valuable if mental illness runs in your family or you have personal preferences about psychiatric care.
We begin with a conversation about your health, family situation, and healthcare values. This isn’t a rushed intake form—it’s a genuine discussion where Leigh listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and ensures you understand what these documents accomplish. We discuss your preferences on end-of-life care, who you trust to make decisions, and any medical or family circumstances that should shape your documents.
We explore the deeper layer: your personal, religious, or cultural values regarding medical treatment. Do you want everything done to extend life, or do you prefer comfort-focused care? What role does your faith play in medical decisions? Who would you want involved in conversations about your care? These conversations help us draft documents that truly reflect your wishes — not generic language that leaves room for doubt or family conflict.
We draft your advance directive and healthcare power of attorney with precision and clarity, tailored to your specific preferences. You’ll receive the documents in advance so you have time to review them carefully before we meet again.
We walk through each document together, answer any remaining questions, and make any final adjustments. Once you’re satisfied, we arrange proper execution with the required witnesses and notarization so your documents are legally valid in Texas.
Ms. Leigh Goodson was fabulous in giving me advice for my father's situation. She was a wealth of knowledge and recommendations. We will be using her for further estate planning.
Leigh prepared estate documents for myself and my husband, and she did a fantastic job. Everyone at her office was friendly and easy to work with. The process was quick and easy, and we feel so much better knowing our affairs are in order. If anyone needs any estate planning help, I would 100% recommend Leigh and her office!
I knew from my experience working with attorneys for over 30 years that with a blended family my husband and I needed professional estate planning. Ms. Goodson provided us with excellent options and did a very thorough explanation of the pros and cons of each of them. She offered non-judgmental opinions and legal information about the equitable division of our blended families small estate. We chose to go with the more expensive trust option because it would be a simpler and less expensive probate for our children who almost all live out of state. She and her assistant made extra efforts to accommodate our schedule and the entire process was quickly completed. We highly recommend The Goodson Firm. P.C. for your estate planning and probate legal services.
Leigh Goodson is a professional attorney. She is available to clients and is responsive in urgent and standard matters. Her expertise has been very helpful. Highly recommend, The Goodson Firm.
Leigh Goodson is the attorney I trust to take care of my clients, friends, and family. She knows the law and works with her clients to make sure their priorities are addressed appropriately.
The right time to protect your legacy is before you need to. Schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting everything you have built and the people who matter most.
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