Healthcare Proxies & Living Wills in Massachusetts

If you're ever too sick or injured to speak for yourself, a healthcare proxy and living will ensure your voice is still heard. We help clients in New Bedford, Brockton, Fall River, Mashpee & across the South Coast put simple plans in place—so their loved ones aren’t left guessing.

What Is a Healthcare Proxy?

Someone You Trust, Ready to Make Medical Decisions


A Healthcare Proxy is a legal document that lets you appoint someone—usually a spouse, child, or close friend—to make medical decisions for you if you can’t.

This includes:


  • Approving or refusing treatment
  • Deciding on surgery or hospital transfers
  • Accessing medical records
  • Communicating with doctors & specialists

Your proxy only steps in if you’re unconscious or unable to decide for yourself.

What Is a Living Will?

A Written Statement of Your Medical Wishes

 A Living Will (sometimes called advance directives) outlines your preferences for things like:

  • Life support

  • Feeding tubes
  • End-of-life comfort care

  • Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders

It guides your healthcare proxy and doctors during critical moments—so your family isn’t forced to guess or disagree under pressure.

Why These Documents Matter

Without a healthcare proxy or living will, your family may:

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Be blocked from speaking to doctors
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Disagree over what you’d want
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Need to go to court to get legal authority
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Face guilt or conflict over major decisions

Putting your wishes in writing now gives everyone clarity later.

How We Help

We make it quick & simple:



  1. Short conversation – We talk through who should be your proxy and what matters most to you

  2. Document prep – We draft your proxy & living will in plain, clear language

  3. Signing – You sign in our office or with a notary, with the option to provide copies to your doctor or family

We can also bundle these with your will, trust, or power of attorney to create a complete plan.

Common Questions

FAQs About Healthcare Proxies & Living Wills

  • What’s the difference between a healthcare proxy and a power of attorney?

    A healthcare proxy only applies to medical decisions. A power of attorney usually covers financial or legal matters. You may need both.

  • Can I name more than one person?

    You name one primary proxy and can name one or more backups in case they’re unavailable.

  • Can I change my mind later?

    Yes. You can revoke or update your documents anytime, as long as you’re mentally competent.

  • Do hospitals really honor these documents?

    Yes, especially if they’re properly drafted and signed. We make sure they meet Massachusetts legal standards.

  • Do I need both a healthcare proxy and a living will?

    Ideally, yes. The proxy names a decision-maker; the living will gives that person guidance on what you’d want.

Protect Your Wishes Before It’s Urgent

We’ll Help You Make a Plan Your Family Can Follow
You don’t need to figure this out alone. Let’s put your medical preferences in writing—so they’re honored when it matters most.


Call: 774-205-1984
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