📋 Legal Planning

Important documents every GBM patient and family should complete. Having these in place gives you control and peace of mind during treatment.

⏰ Why Do This Now?

This isn't about giving up hope — it's about staying in control. Here's why early action matters:

  • Cognitive changes: GBM can affect thinking, memory, and decision-making over time. Completing documents while you're clearly able to make decisions protects their legal validity.
  • Treatment decisions: You may face moments when you can't communicate your wishes. These documents speak for you.
  • Family protection: Without proper documents, loved ones may face court proceedings to make decisions on your behalf.
  • Peace of mind: Knowing your wishes are documented lets everyone focus on treatment and quality time together.
✓ The gift of clarity: Many families say completing these documents was one of the most loving things they did — it removed uncertainty and conflict during difficult times.

📄 Essential Documents

⚖️ Power of Attorney (POA)

Designates someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf.

Types:

  • General POA: Broad authority for all financial matters
  • Durable POA: Remains valid if you become incapacitated (this is what you want)
  • Limited POA: Specific tasks only

🏥 Healthcare Proxy

Appoints someone to make medical decisions when you cannot communicate.

Also called: Medical Power of Attorney, Healthcare Agent, Healthcare Surrogate

Choose someone who:

  • Knows your values and wishes
  • Can advocate firmly on your behalf
  • Will honor your wishes even if they disagree

📜 Living Will

Documents your wishes about end-of-life medical treatment.

Addresses questions like:

  • Mechanical ventilation preferences
  • Artificial nutrition and hydration
  • Resuscitation (CPR) preferences
  • Comfort-focused care preferences

📝 Advance Directive

Combines living will + healthcare proxy into one comprehensive document.

Most common approach: Complete an advance directive that includes both your treatment wishes AND names your healthcare agent.

Requirements vary by state — use state-specific forms.

🚨 POLST / MOLST Forms

Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (some states call it MOLST, POST, or COLST)

This is different from a living will. It's a medical order signed by a doctor that:

  • Tells emergency responders what to do (or not do)
  • Travels with you between care settings
  • Is recognized immediately by paramedics and hospitals
  • Usually a brightly colored (often pink) form
⚠️ When to consider POLST: Typically discussed when prognosis is limited (1 year or less) or when avoiding hospitalization is a priority. It's a conversation with your doctor, not a form to complete alone.

What POLST Covers

  • CPR: Attempt resuscitation or allow natural death
  • Medical interventions: Full treatment, selective treatment, or comfort-focused
  • Artificial nutrition: Feeding tube preferences
💡 Living will vs. POLST: A living will expresses your wishes. A POLST turns those wishes into actual medical orders. Both are valuable — they work together.

💼 Financial and Estate Planning

Will or Trust

Documents how your assets should be distributed. Consider:

  • Simple will: Names beneficiaries and an executor
  • Revocable living trust: Avoids probate, provides more privacy and control
  • Beneficiary designations: Review retirement accounts, life insurance — these bypass the will

Other Financial Considerations

  • Review and update all account beneficiaries
  • Consider joint ownership of bank accounts for easy access
  • Organize important documents (account numbers, passwords, insurance policies)
  • Check life insurance policies and disability benefits
  • Consider guardianship provisions if you have minor children
✓ Practical tip: Create a "Letter of Instruction" — an informal document listing account information, passwords, location of important documents, and personal wishes. This isn't legally binding but is enormously helpful for family.

📋 Step-by-Step: Getting Documents Done

Week 1: Gather Information

Download state-specific forms from your state bar association or Caring Info. Review what decisions need to be addressed.

Week 1-2: Have Conversations

Talk with your healthcare proxy about your wishes. Discuss with family. These conversations are the most important part — the documents just record what you've decided.

Week 2-3: Complete and Sign

Fill out forms. Most require witnesses and/or notarization. Requirements vary by state and document type.

Week 3-4: Distribute Copies

Give copies to: healthcare proxy, family members, primary care doctor, oncologist, hospital (for medical record). Keep originals in an accessible place — not a safety deposit box.

Ongoing: Review and Update

Review documents if your situation or wishes change. Update healthcare proxy's contact information if needed.

🆓 Free Resources

State-Specific Advance Directive Forms

POLST Information

Legal Help

  • Many hospitals have social workers who can help with advance directives
  • Some cancer centers offer free legal clinics
  • Legal aid societies may help if cost is a barrier
  • Elder law attorneys specialize in these documents
💡 Ask your oncology team: Many cancer centers have social workers or patient navigators who can guide you through this process and connect you with free resources.

💬 Having the Conversation

The hardest part isn't paperwork — it's talking about it. Some tips:

For Patients

  • Frame it as taking control, not giving up
  • "I want to make sure my wishes are followed"
  • "I don't want you to have to guess what I would want"
  • "This is a gift I'm giving our family — clarity"

For Families

  • Let the patient lead when they're ready
  • Listen more than you talk
  • It's okay to say "this is hard to talk about"
  • You don't have to agree — you have to understand and be willing to honor their wishes

Questions to Consider

  • What matters most to you about the time you have?
  • What abilities are so important that you can't imagine living without them?
  • Are there treatments you would want to avoid?
  • Where would you prefer to be cared for if you become very ill?
  • How much do family members know about your wishes?

✅ Legal Planning Checklist

  • Durable Power of Attorney for finances completed
  • Healthcare Proxy / Medical Power of Attorney named
  • Advance Directive / Living Will completed
  • Discussed POLST with doctor (if appropriate)
  • Will or trust updated
  • Beneficiaries reviewed on all accounts
  • Important documents organized and accessible
  • Copies distributed to healthcare proxy, doctors, family
  • Healthcare proxy understands and can advocate for my wishes

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary significantly by state and country. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. Hospital social workers and patient navigators can often help connect you with appropriate legal resources.