Healthcare Power of Attorney

At SimplyTrust, we believe every American family deserves access to basic estate planning documents, regardless of their financial situation. A last will, healthcare directive, or power of attorney are not luxuries reserved for those who can afford expensive legal fees. These free tools exist because protecting your loved ones matters. We do hope you will consider using our trust service for creating and managing revocable living trusts, but we are simply happy you are taking the time to protect the ones you love.

A healthcare power of attorney (also called a medical power of attorney, healthcare proxy, or advance directive) is a legal document that allows you to designate another person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself.

You will need your date of birth, current address, the names and contact information for your primary healthcare agent and at least two successor agents, and your preferences for end-of-life care, mental health treatment, and organ donation.

This document includes: designation of a primary healthcare agent and two successors, authority granted to your agent, mental health treatment authorization, end-of-life care instructions, organ donation preferences, additional instructions for your agent, and state-specific signing requirements.

You can choose when your healthcare power of attorney becomes effective. Most people choose to have it take effect only when their physician determines they lack capacity to make healthcare decisions. Alternatively, it can take effect immediately upon signing.

Yes. No credit card, no account, no paywall. Your form entries never leave your browser.

No. SimplyTrust is not a law firm. This is a self-directed tool that records your choices—we do not review your entries or determine whether this document is appropriate for your situation. For legal questions, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

Your downloaded document is not legally effective until you complete your state's execution requirements. Most states require your signature and witness signatures, and some require notarization. Requirements vary significantly by state. Consult your state's statutes or a licensed attorney for specific requirements.

Yes. You can revoke your healthcare power of attorney at any time by: (1) executing a new healthcare power of attorney, (2) destroying the document, (3) signing a written revocation, or (4) verbally expressing your intent to revoke to your physician.

Choose someone you trust to make medical decisions that align with your values and wishes. Your agent should be at least 18 years old (or your state's minimum age), willing to serve, and able to advocate for you with healthcare providers. Many people choose a spouse, adult child, or trusted friend.

A healthcare power of attorney designates someone (your agent) to make medical decisions on your behalf. A living will provides specific instructions about end-of-life care. Some states combine these into a single advance directive document, while others treat them as separate documents.