Living Will: How to Complete the Texas Directive to Physicians (Part 3 of 3) | S3EP58

Episode Summary: You've done the thinking work and considered your addendums. Now it's time to complete your Texas living will and make it legally valid. Walk through the form step by step and learn how to sign, notarize, and store your document so the right people can find it when needed. Essential Question: How do you turn your medical treatment preferences into a legally valid living will? Episode Highlights: [00:00] Opening: The 20-minute project you've been putting off [00:40] Welcome and disclaimer [01:12] Essential question [01:32] Recap of episodes 56 and 57 [02:42] Two options to access the form [04:18] Walking through the eFileTexas site [05:38] Terminal and irreversible condition questions [06:33] Naming your advocate (placeholder option) [08:26] Additional requests and addendums [10:33] Legal resources [11:32] Signing: witnesses and notary [13:14] Storing your document [14:38] You can do this in under 30 minutes [15:41] Essential question answered [17:19] Next episode preview [17:37] Timing options Takeaways: ✅ If you've done the prep work, completing the form takes under 30 minutes ✅ Two options: Texas HHS PDF (skip sections) or eFileTexas (guided, but agent field mandatory) ✅ Use your own name as a placeholder if you don't know your healthcare agent yet ✅ Get both witnesses AND notary for extra validity ✅ Keep an inventory log of everyone who has copies Action Steps (links under the resource section below): Choose your method: Texas HHS PDF or eFileTexas Complete the form using your prep work from episodes 56 and 57 Reference addendums in "Additional Requests" section (if applicable) Find a notary (county offices, banks, UPS Store, neighborhood) Sign when the notary directs you with two witnesses present Distribute copies to healthcare agent, doctor, and family Keep an inventory log of who has copies Resources: Note: Links may change over time. If a link doesn't work, try searching for the resource name. Texas HHS Advance Directives (English & Spanish): https://www.hhs.texas.gov/formas/advance-directives eFileTexas Self-Help Site: https://texas.tylertech.cloud/SRL/srl/ExecuteInterview Emory Healthcare Critical Conditions Planning Guide: https://www.hcethics.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=328955&module_id=377761 Compassion & Choices Toolkit (English/Spanish): https://compassionandchoices.org/resource/eoldgt/ Episode 56 (Part 1) - Values Prep Work: https://youtu.be/sq7asB8MhUM Episode 57 (Part 2) - Addendums Explained: https://youtu.be/Hw-oSJE5RRA Texas Legal Help: Certified Lawyer Referral: https://www.texasbar.com/Content/NavigationMenu/ForThePublic/DoYouNeedaLawyer/CertifiedLawyerReferralServices1/default.htm Texas Law Help: https://texaslawhelp.org/directory Phone: (800) 252-9690 Chat: https://texaslawhelp.org/ask-a-question Walk-in clinics: https://texaslawhelp.org/legal-events-and-clinics Addendum Heading Format: "ADDENDUM TO DIRECTIVE TO PHYSICIANS AND FAMILY OR SURROGATES" Title: [Your addendum topic] This document should be read together with my Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates under Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 166. This addendum is intended to guide my physicians, family members, and medical decision makers in understanding my values, priorities, and preferences regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care. This document does not replace my Directive. In the event of any inconsistency, my Directive is the controlling document. Next Episode: Medical Power of Attorney: How to choose your healthcare agent and have that conversation with them. Questions? [email protected] Disclaimer: We are not attorneys, financial advisors, or medical professionals. Everything shared is for educational purposes only. We focused on Texas laws; research the laws in your state. Consult an estate planning attorney for complex situations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices