Health Care Directive in Utah: Make Your Medical Wishes Known
A Health Care Directive is one of the most important estate planning documents you can create. While wills and trusts handle what happens to your property, a health care directive protects you — ensuring that your medical wishes are respected and your voice is heard if you become unable to speak for yourself.
For Utah residents, preparing a health care directive is not just a smart decision — it’s an essential part of planning for the future. It offers peace of mind to you and your family and helps avoid confusion, stress, and conflict during medical emergencies.
What Is a Health Care Directive?
A health care directive is a legal document that allows you to do two crucial things:
Appoint a health care agent – someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
Express your treatment preferences – including decisions about life support, end-of-life care, pain management, and organ donation.
In Utah, a health care directive combines what many other states call a “living will” and a medical power of attorney into a single document. This makes it easier for both medical providers and your loved ones to follow your wishes.
Utah’s Health Care Directive Law: What You Need to Know
Utah’s Advance Health Care Directive Act governs how these documents are created and used. Here are some key legal points:
Age and capacity: You must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to sign a directive.
Signing requirements: The directive must be signed by you (the “declarant”) and either notarized or witnessed by an adult who is not your agent.
Combined format: Utah’s form combines the appointment of a health care agent and your medical instructions in one document.
Revocability: You can revoke or change your directive at any time while you are competent.
Because Utah’s directive is unique, it’s best to use a state-specific version or have an attorney draft one tailored to your preferences.
Why Every Adult in Utah Should Have a Health Care Directive
Many people assume their spouse or children can make medical decisions automatically. Unfortunately, that’s not always true — especially if there is disagreement among family members. Without a directive:
Medical providers may make default treatment decisions that don’t align with your wishes.
Loved ones could disagree about your care, leading to family conflict or even court involvement.
Important decisions — like life support, resuscitation, or organ donation — may not reflect your true preferences.
A properly drafted health care directive removes these uncertainties and ensures that your medical care reflects your values and choices.
What Decisions Can You Make in a Health Care Directive?
Your directive can be as detailed or general as you like. Common decisions include:
Life-sustaining treatment: Whether you want machines or procedures to prolong life in certain conditions.
Pain relief: Instructions on pain management and comfort care.
Organ and tissue donation: Whether you wish to donate for transplant or research.
End-of-life care: Preferences about hospice, home care, or hospital treatment.
Mental health treatment: Guidance for psychiatric care or medication.
You can also include personal values, religious beliefs, or specific instructions for particular medical situations.
Health Care Directive vs. Medical Power of Attorney
While many people use these terms interchangeably, Utah’s directive actually includes a medical power of attorney. Your appointed agent has the legal authority to:
Speak with doctors and review medical records.
Consent to or refuse treatments.
Transfer you to a different facility if needed.
Make end-of-life decisions in accordance with your stated wishes.
This means your directive is more than just a “living will” — it’s a comprehensive plan for future healthcare decisions.
Choosing the Right Health Care Agent
Selecting the right person to make medical decisions on your behalf is critical. Consider someone who is:
Trustworthy – They should always put your wishes first.
Calm under pressure – Medical decisions can be stressful and emotional.
Nearby – Someone local can respond quickly in an emergency.
Willing to advocate – They may need to speak up for you with doctors or family.
You can also name alternate agents in case your primary choice is unavailable.
How a Health Care Directive Fits Into Your Estate Plan
A directive is most effective when it’s part of a complete plan that covers both medical and financial decisions. We typically prepare it alongside:
Power of Attorney: Ensures someone can manage your finances if you’re incapacitated.
Last Will and Testament: Directs how your property is distributed after death.
Revocable Living Trust: Avoids probate and simplifies asset distribution.
Asset Protection & Legacy Planning: Protects wealth and ensures long-term family benefits.
When combined, these tools provide a comprehensive plan that covers every stage of life — from medical decisions today to wealth distribution tomorrow.
Our Process: Simple and Compassionate
We make creating a health care directive easy:
Consultation: We discuss your values, medical preferences, and who you trust to make decisions.
Drafting: We prepare a customized directive that meets Utah’s legal requirements.
Review & Sign: We walk you through every section and supervise proper signing.
Integration: We ensure your directive works seamlessly with your broader estate plan.
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Take the Next Step
A Utah health care directive is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your loved ones. It spares them from uncertainty, reduces conflict, and ensures that your voice is heard when it matters most.
Contact Cutler | Riley today to schedule a free consultation and create a customized health care directive that reflects your wishes and protects your future.