This content is provided for informational purposes only. For specific legal advice, please consult with a qualified professional or an official government agency.
An Advance Directive is a legal document that allows you to specify the scope of medical treatment you wish to receive and designate a representative in advance, should you become unable to make or communicate your own decisions due to future illness or accident. This is an essential planning process to preserve your dignity and alleviate the burden of decision-making for your family.
In New Jersey, an Advance Directive only takes effect when your attending physician determines that you lack the capacity to make your own healthcare decisions. Any individual aged 18 or older may execute an Advance Directive.
Advance Directives typically include the following two elements, which can be prepared together or separately:
| Category | Primary Content | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Instruction Directive (Commonly known as a Living Will) | Specifies the wish to withhold or continue life-sustaining treatment in particular circumstances. | Communicate your treatment guidelines. |
| Proxy Directive (Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare) | Designates a representative to make medical decisions on your behalf. | Ensure the legal representative’s decision-making authority. |
Created by the non-profit organization Aging with Dignity, Five Wishes covers not only medical decisions but also your emotional and personal desires. It is legally recognized in most U.S. states, including New Jersey, and is available in 31 languages, including English and Korean, making it highly accessible for Korean-American seniors.
It is legally valid in all 50 states and Washington D.C., though four states (Kansas, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Texas) may require additional procedures such as attaching state-specific forms.
*Can be obtained for free through healthcare providers and hospice partners.
| Agency | Services Provided | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| NJ ADRC (Aging & Disability Resource Connection) | Service connection and counseling for seniors, individuals with disabilities (18 and above), and family caregivers by county. | 1-877-222-3737 (Connects automatically to your local county office) |
| Bergen County Division of Senior Services | Information, assistance, and referrals for legal services. | One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor, Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-336-7400 seniors@bergencountynj.gov |
| NNJLS (Northeast New Jersey Legal Services) | Free legal aid for low-income residents, seniors, and the disabled (subject to eligibility). | 190 Moore Street, Suite 100, Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-2166 NNJLS.ORG |
| LSNJ (Legal Services of New Jersey Hotline) | Statewide legal hotline providing free legal advice and information. | 1-888-576-5529 lsnjlawhotline.org |
