Protect Your Wishes With an Advance Medical Directive in Virginia

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These decisions are deeply personal and we guide you through them with care and clarity.

Your Voice, Even When You Can’t Speak, The Importance of Advance Medical Directives

An Advance Medical Directive (AMD) lets you decide who makes medical decisions for you and what treatments you want (or don’t want) if you’re unable to communicate. This vital document combines two roles:


  • Healthcare Power of Attorney (appoints someone you trust to make medical choices)
  • Living Will (states your preferences for end-of-life care and medical interventions)


Whether due to accident, illness, or age, every adult needs these protections, so your loved ones aren’t left guessing and your wishes are honored.

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What an Advance Medical Directive Covers

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Choosing a Healthcare Agent

Appoint a trusted person, spouse, family member, or friend, to speak with doctors and make real-time care decisions for you.

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End-of-Life Wishes

State your preferences for life-sustaining treatments (ventilator, feeding tube), pain management, and organ donation.

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Personal Values

Include religious or cultural preferences, mental health directives, or pregnancy-related wishes.

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Clear Guidance for Your Family

Your AMD relieves your loved ones from agonizing over “what you would want”, removing guilt and family conflict.

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Virginia Compliance

Our AMDs meet state requirements for witnesses and can include additional custom provisions to fit your life.

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Compassionate Planning; Step by Step, With Real-World Guidance

  • Sensitive Conversations: Michael helps you think through tough scenarios, providing information and a supportive approach at every stage.
  • Plain-Language Documents: Clear instructions your agent and care team can follow.
  • All Witnessing Arranged: We organize everything for a smooth signing, typically with our in-house notary and staff as witnesses.
  • Support Beyond Signing: Advice on sharing your directive with doctors, loved ones, and the state registry.

Don’t Wait for a Crisis; Decide Your Care in Advance

A medical emergency can happen at any age. By setting up your Advance Medical Directive now, you take control and save your family from hard choices later.

  • Do I need a will or a trust?

    That depends on your goals. A will is a basic document, but it still goes through probate. A trust helps avoid probate and gives you more control. We’ll help you understand the pros and cons.

  • What happens if I don’t have an estate plan?

    If you die without a will or trust in Oklahoma, state law determines who gets your assets—and the people you care about most might be left out.

  • How often should I update my plan?

    We recommend reviewing your plan every 3 years or whenever there’s a major life change like a birth, death, divorce, or new asset.

  • Is estate planning only for wealthy people?

    Not at all. If you own a home, have children, or simply want to stay in control, estate planning is for you.

  • Do I need a will or a trust?

    That depends on your goals. A will is a basic document, but it still goes through probate. A trust helps avoid probate and gives you more control. We’ll help you understand the pros and cons.

  • What happens if I don’t have an estate plan?

    If you die without a will or trust in Oklahoma, state law determines who gets your assets—and the people you care about most might be left out.

  • How often should I update my plan?

    We recommend reviewing your plan every 3 years or whenever there’s a major life change like a birth, death, divorce, or new asset.

  • Is estate planning only for wealthy people?

    Not at all. If you own a home, have children, or simply want to stay in control, estate planning is for you.

  • How long does the whole process take?

    From your first consultation to signed documents, most plans are completed within 4-6 weeks-depending on your pace and preferences.

  • What does the first meeting include?

    It's 60-90 minutes focused on education. You'll learn how wills, trusts, guardianship, and powers of attorney work-then decide what makes sense for your family.

  • Do you offer payment plans?

    Yes, we're happy to talk through options. We also work on a flat-fee basis, so you'll always know the cost up front.

  • Can I update my plan later?

    Absolutely. Life changes, and your plan should keep up. We offer annual reviews and update support.

Advance Medical Directive Questions, Answered

  • Do I need both a living will and a healthcare power of attorney?

    Yes, your living will states your treatment preferences, while your healthcare power of attorney names who can speak for you. An AMD combines both.

  • Who should be my healthcare agent?

    Someone you trust to follow your wishes, often a spouse, adult child, or close friend. You can also name backup agents.

  • What if I don’t have an AMD?

    Doctors follow a default order of next-of-kin, which may not reflect your choices and can lead to family conflict or uncertainty.

  • Can I update my Advance Medical Directive?

    Yes, your wishes may change over time. We make updates easy whenever needed.

  • Does Virginia law allow for special provisions?

    Yes, you can include religious, mental health, or pregnancy-specific instructions. Michael ensures your directive is as detailed as you want.

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Put Your Wishes in Writing; Give Your Family Clarity and Comfort

Ensure you get the care you want and spare your loved ones from painful decisions. Berdan Law makes it simple and comfortable to set up an Advance Medical Directive.