From my own experience, and after lots of discussions, my mother has signed a Medical Directive, Health Care Proxy (my sis and me) and an DNR that are all legal documents. So we know what she wants. I have also filled out and signed a Medical Directive and mailed a copy to my daughter. So we know about me, both psychologically and legally. Having an unrecorded or undocumented conversation is not considered a legal directive, either medically or legally. (Remember the awful case about Terry Schiavo ?) With a minor, things get much more complicated. Anyone who is of the age of consent should fill out these documents as well as a will.