education and resources for family caregivers, friends, and providers helping older adults
Funded by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) through these local area agencies on aging:
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Legal Resources
Powers Of Attorney, Advance Directives, “Living Wills”
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 to access your local Area Agency on Aging (ask about their Legal Awareness program)
Important Forms
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 (downloadable Word document)
This form gives health professionals permission to talk to anyone other than the patient regarding medical-related issues.
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.
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