Healthcare Directives & Living Wills

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Favour & Wilhelmsen, PLLC has been an integral part of the Prescott area legal community for over 45 years. You can expect exceptional legal representation from the initial consultation through the resolution of every matter.

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Healthcare Directives & Living Wills Attorney in Prescott, AZ

Healthcare decisions are deeply personal — and they shouldn’t be left to guesswork during a crisis. A healthcare directive — also known as a living will — allows you to clearly state your wishes about medical treatment if you cannot make them yourself. At Favour & Wilhelmsen, PLLC, attorney David K. Wilhelmsen has been helping clients across Prescott, Yavapai County, and Northern Arizona to create clear, enforceable living wills and healthcare directives for over 40 years.

What Is a Healthcare Directive or Living Will?

A healthcare directive (or living will) is a legal document that tells doctors, family members, and caregivers what medical treatments you do or do not want if you are unable to communicate. In Arizona, these directives often include:
  • Living Will: States your desires about end-of-life care, life support, resuscitation, and other critical medical interventions.
  • Health Care Power of Attorney: Names a trusted person to make medical decisions if you are incapacitated.
  • Mental Health Care Power of Attorney: Authorizes someone to make decisions about psychiatric treatment.
  • HIPAA Authorization: Allows medical providers to share health information with your chosen decision-makers.

Why a Living Will Is Important

Without a living will or healthcare directive, your loved ones may face difficult choices and disagreements about your care. These documents help:
  • Ensure your medical wishes are honored.
  • Reduce family conflict in a time of crisis.
  • Guide doctors and hospitals with clarity and confidence.
  • Prevent delays or the need for court involvement.

Arizona Legal Requirements

Under A.R.S. § 36-3201 et seq., healthcare directives and living wills must be:

  • In writing and signed by a competent adult.
  • Witnessed by at least one adult OR notarized.
  • Dated and clearly state your treatment preferences.
Arizona provides standard forms, but working with an attorney ensures your living will is enforceable, tailored to your values, and coordinated with your other estate planning documents.

Common Challenges People Face

Many people delay completing a living will or directive because they:
  • Find it uncomfortable to think about end-of-life decisions.
  • Believe family members “just know” what to do.
  • Worry that signing a living will means less care or no treatment.
  • Don’t realize that Arizona law requires specific signatures and witnesses.
Waiting until a crisis occurs often leaves families guessing, arguing, or seeking court intervention during an already stressful time.

Myth-Busting: Living Wills & Directives

“A living will means doctors won’t try to save me.”

False — it only applies in limited situations, like terminal illness or irreversible coma.

“I’m too young to need a healthcare directive.”

Accidents and medical crises can happen at any age — adults of all ages benefit from planning.

“My family already knows what I want.”

Even close relatives often disagree. Stating your wishes in writing avoids guesswork and conflict.

How David K. Wilhelmsen Can Help

Personalized Guidance

Explains the difference between a living will, health care power of attorney, and advance directives so you feel confident with your choices.

Custom Drafting

Prepares a legal document that clearly documents your wishes and meets Arizona law.

Integrated Planning

Coordinates your directive with your power of attorney, will, and trust for a complete plan.

Review & Updates

Advises when to revisit your living will after health changes, new diagnoses, or family events.

FAQ: Living Wills & Healthcare Directives in Arizona

Yes — you can amend or revoke it anytime while you are competent.
Yes — the living will explains what care you want, and the power of attorney names who will make decisions on your behalf if you cannot.
Not legally, but an attorney ensures the document is legally sound, witnessed properly, and free from conflicting language.

Doctors may rely on next of kin or default hospital policies, which may not match your wishes and can lead to family disagreements.

Advanced Certification

David K. Wilhelmsen received his certification as a Real Estate Law Specialist from the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization of the Arizona State Bar in 1991 for demonstrating advanced knowledge, skill and understanding in the practice of real estate law.

Experience

We have over 45 years of practice experience in most areas of Real Estate, Estate Planning and Probate, and Small Business law.

Local Practice

Established in 1947, David K. Wilhelmsen joined the firm in 1981 and has practiced continuously since then in the Prescott and surrounding communities.

High Martindale-Hubbell Rating

We hold AV Preeminent® rating by Martindale-Hubbell, which is given to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers.

Responsible Solutions

We provide trusted and straight forward legal solutions to most matters you may encounter.

Benefits

Why Choose Us?

Employing Favour & Wilhelmsen, PLLC will ensure that your rights are protected, your obligations are clearly understood, and your interests are strategically represented. Whether navigating a complex transaction, resolving a dispute, or mitigating legal risk, we provide the knowledge and advocacy needed to avoid costly mistakes and strive to achieve favorable outcomes.

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Make Tough Decisions Easier — Now, Not Later

By setting your wishes in writing today, you ease emotional burdens tomorrow. Contact Favour & Wilhelmsen, PLLC to make your intentions clear.

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