All too often you hear of medical crisis’ happening worldwide. When these unfortunate circumstances take place, they bring light to the fact that this could happen to anyone. 
As an estate planning attorney for the Triangle area, I help guide my clients in preparing for these moments when an event unexpectedly leaves you unable to make medical decisions for yourself at the moment. When it comes to medical considerations, there are a couple documents that are commonly used in North Carolina that people should be aware of:
Two Common Types of Medical Directives in North Carolina are:
- Healthcare Power of Attorney: A Healthcare Power of Attorney is a legal document where you designate a person to make all of your decisions regarding health care if you become unable to do so yourself. You would want to choose someone who is like-minded with you and that you would trust to carry out your wishes. Generally, healthcare powers of attorney deal with decisions concerning your medical treatment.
- Living Will: A Living Will is a legal document that activates only if you are terminally ill and are not expected to survive for a long period of time, unconscious and not expected to regain consciousness or suffer from advanced dementia which is not reversible. Once effective, the Living Will states your wishes (laid out by you well in advance of this document being needed) as to how you want the doctors to handle your possible end-of-life care or whether or not you want your life extended.
While this seems like a lot of detail, I break down these documents in detail in person with my clients. At the Thornton Law Firm, we have the experience to guide you in the right direction when it comes to getting these important documents in place. Give us a call today to ask your questions about how medical directives apply to you.