Advance Directives First

What this planning pattern covers

The Advance Directives First pattern is commonly discussed for single adults without dependents or significant property — situations where incapacity planning is the most immediately relevant priority, and where starting with three focused documents delivers the highest return on a planning hour.

Health care proxy. Names someone who can make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to make them yourself. Without this, a hospital may default to next of kin — which may not be who you’d choose.

Living will. Documents your wishes for end-of-life medical care. Removes that decision from family members at the most difficult moment.

Durable financial power of attorney. Names someone to manage your finances while you’re incapacitated — paying bills, managing accounts, handling transactions.

These three documents address the incapacity scenario, which for many younger or otherwise healthy adults is actually more immediately relevant than death.

The upgrade path

The “B3→B1” name reflects the intentional path: start here, then add a core will when the time and circumstances are right. This isn’t a lesser plan — it’s a calibrated first plan for households where the will isn’t the most pressing starting point.

Who typically considers this pattern

Single adults without children or significant property often find this pattern is the right first step. It’s also a useful starting point for anyone who’s been putting off planning entirely and wants to start somewhere real.

Getting started

Take the free Prepared Map to confirm this pattern makes sense for your profile. If it does, you can complete the three advance directive documents in a single focused session.

Educational content only. Not legal advice.