Please Note: No documents or information provided anywhere on this site should be considered legal advice, or intended to replace a formal discussion with a licensed attorney. If you have questions relating to the law, we advise you to seek the services of an attorney. Some communities have lawyers willing to provide limited free advice for persons with low incomes. Talk to the local bar association or call your local area agency on aging at one of the numbers from the links below.
Click here for legal and other resources in Texas.
Click here (or the logos below) to access your local Area Agency on Aging (ask about their Legal Awareness program)
All the forms below are for the state of Texas. For other states, contact your local or state bar association, or ask for help through your local Area Agency on Aging.
| Statutory Durable Power of Attorney — This form designates an “agent” (family member or anyone of your choosing) empowered to take certain actions regarding your finances & property. downloadable Word document. Texas Probate Code 490 explains Durable Power of Attorney. |
| Medical Power of Attorney — This form allows you to designate someone to make medical decisions for you. downloadable Word document This is not what is usually known as a “living will.” See Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates below.
In addition to Medical Power of Attorney and any directive, it is a good idea to make sure that you are listed on your loved ones’ medical records, through their signing of a HIPAA release form (Health Insurance Portability Act), which gives health professionals permission to talk to anyone other than the patient regarding medical-related issues. HIPAA General Release Form |
| Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates — This form documents your wishes in the event you are unable to make your own decisions and do not want extraordinary measures taken to keep you alive. downloadable Word document |
| Declaration of Guardian in the Event of Later Incapacity or Need of Guardian — This form allows you to designate who you want to be your guardian (not guardian of your minor children — another form is used for that) if you become incapacitated. downloadable Word document |
| Texas Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) form – state of Texas. This is provided for your information only. An Out Of Hospital DNR Order is executed by a doctor and must be kept with the person at all times. Click here to download the Texas document. PDF format. |