An advance directive is a legally valid document in which you record what care you want in the event of illness and death. Often, this statement also includes your representative – someone who may speak on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself. An advance directive may be typed or handwritten. You write down your wishes and boundaries. An advance directive is immediately valid if it contains your name (in full), signature and date. Let others know what your wishes are so they can take them into account.