What Happens If I Do Not Make An Advance Directive?

Your family can tell your doctor to continue to treat you. They can also tell your doctor to stop or not give treatment to keep you alive (life sustaining treatment) if you are dying or in a permanent coma. Family members may not, however, be able to make other decisions for you unless you name one of them as your agent in your advance directive. If the doctor can't reach a family member, the doctor may ask another adult relative or good friend who knows your values.

Other Maine Estate Planning FAQs

Q: What Is An Advance Directive?
A: Any spoken or written decision or instruction about the health care you want in the future is called an advance directive. You can tell your doctor or family what you … More
Q: Who Can Complete An Advance Directive?
A: Anyone living in Maine who is 18 years of age or older can complete an advance directive. If you are younger than 18 you may also be able to complete an advance … More
Q: How Does An Advance Directive Help?
A: If you sign an advance directive, your family and your doctor will know who to talk to about your care or what kinds of treatment you want or don't want when you are … More
Q: What Does An Advance Directive Allow Me To Do?
A: The advance directive form allows you to do four things. You choose someone to make all your health care decisions beginning either right away or when you are too sick … More
Q: Can I Change Any Part Of This Form?
A: You may change any part of this form. You can cross out any words, sentences, or paragraphs you do not want. You can also add your own words. The form lets you choose … More
Q: Does It Have To Be Notarized?
A: You do not need to have an Advance Directive form notarized to make it legal in Maine, but you do need two witnesses to sign it. However, if you travel or live part of … More
Q: Who Should I Tell About My Advance Directive?
A: Tell your family members, doctors, and others close to you what you have decided. You should talk to the agent(s) you have chosen to make sure that they understand … More
Q: When Does My Advance Directive Go Into Effect?
A: Unless you state something different, your advance directive will be used only when you are too sick to choose your care or tell others what care you want. Your doctor … More
Q: Who Will Decide My Care When Im Too Sick To Choose If I Dont Have An Agent Or An Advance Directive?
A: If you do not name an agent or do not have an advance directive, the doctor will ask your family what treatment you would want, in this order: spouse (unless legally … More
Q: Does My Doctor Have To Follow My Choices?
A: Yes. If your doctor, hospital, or other place of health care has any special rules about health care decisions, or if they will not carry out your decisions, they must … More