St. Augustine's Largest Law Firm
Advance Directives Attorney in St. Augustine, Florida
Protect Your Healthcare Wishes & Plan for the Unexpected
Estate planning is not just about property and wealth—it’s also about ensuring your medical and healthcare decisions are respected if you become incapacitated. At St. Johns Law Group, our advance directives attorneys in St. Augustine help clients prepare legally binding documents such as living wills, healthcare surrogate designations, and HIPAA authorizations to protect their wishes and relieve loved ones of difficult decisions.
Serving clients across St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra, Palm Coast, Jacksonville, and Northeast Florida, our attorneys provide clarity and peace of mind through proactive healthcare planning.
Why Advance Directives Matter
Without proper advance directives in place, family members may face uncertainty—or even court intervention—regarding your medical care. By preparing these documents, you:
Ensure your medical treatment preferences are followed
Appoint a trusted decision-maker (healthcare surrogate)
Reduce family conflict during emergencies
Avoid costly guardianship proceedings
Give loved ones guidance and peace of mind
Types of Advance Directives We Prepare
Healthcare Surrogate Designations
Name a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This avoids disputes and ensures your care is consistent with your values.
Living Wills
A living will provides clear instructions about life-sustaining treatment, resuscitation, and end-of-life care. This ensures your wishes are respected and relieves loved ones from making difficult choices.
HIPAA Authorizations
Federal privacy laws can prevent family members from accessing your medical records. A HIPAA authorization allows your chosen representative access to necessary health information.
Advance Directives as Part of a Comprehensive Plan
Advance directives work best as part of a coordinated estate plan. At St. Johns Law Group, we integrate these tools with:
Wills to control asset distribution
Trusts to avoid probate and protect wealth
Durable Powers of Attorney to manage finances if incapacitated
Probate & Estate Administration support for loved ones when a death occurs
This ensures your legal and healthcare planning work seamlessly together.
Avoiding Guardianship Proceedings
Without advance directives, your family may need to pursue a formal guardianship through the court system—a stressful and expensive process. Our attorneys help you avoid this risk by preparing enforceable directives that keep control in your hands.
Why Choose St. Johns Law Group?
St. Augustine’s Largest Law Firm – 12 attorneys, 265+ years of combined legal experience
Full-Service Team – covering estate planning, probate, real estate, and family law
Dedicated & Responsive Service® – committed to protecting your family’s interests with compassion and clarity
Proven Experience – trusted throughout Northeast Florida for planning, disputes, and guardianship cases
📞 Schedule an Advance Directives Consultation Today
Don’t leave important healthcare decisions to chance. Our experienced advance directives attorneys in St. Augustine will walk you through your options and ensure your wishes are legally documented.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both a living will and a healthcare surrogate designation?
Yes. A living will sets out your treatment preferences, while a healthcare surrogate ensures someone you trust can make other necessary medical decisions.
Can my spouse automatically make medical decisions for me?
Not always. Without a healthcare surrogate designation, Florida law may require court involvement or default decision-making that does not reflect your wishes.
Are advance directives valid outside of Florida?
Florida directives are generally honored elsewhere, but if you move, updating documents with a local attorney is recommended.
Meet Our Estate Planning Attorneys
Contact Us:
- 104 Sea Grove Main Street | St. Augustine, Florida 32080
