Having formal directives avoids guesswork during emergencies and ensures your care preferences are respected even if you cannot communicate. A well-drafted directive reduces stress for family members, clarifies appointing a healthcare proxy, and helps medical teams honor treatment goals consistent with your values.
A single, integrated set of documents minimizes conflicts between family members and medical teams while ensuring your healthcare goals remain central to every decision.
Our firm combines North Carolina experience with a client-focused approach, prioritizing clarity, accessibility, and respect for your values in every document we prepare.
We provide timely answers, coordinate with family members, and adjust documents as laws or health circumstances change.
An Advance Healthcare Directive records your medical treatment choices for future situations when you cannot speak for yourself, including preferences about resuscitation and life-sustaining care. A Living Will focuses on end-of-life decisions, while a medical power of attorney designates someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf. Together, these documents guide clinicians and loved ones.
A Living Will outlines treatment preferences for end-of-life scenarios, whereas a medical power of attorney assigns a decision-maker to advocate for your goals during incapacity. They work in tandem, ensuring your values drive care even when you cannot communicate.
A healthcare proxy can be a trusted family member, friend, or caregiver who understands your wishes. The person should be available, capable of communicating with medical staff, and willing to advocate for your directives when decisions arise.
HIPAA releases allow healthcare providers to share information with your proxy and others involved in your care. While not always mandatory, a HIPAA authorization simplifies information flow and protects your privacy by ensuring the right people have access.
Review directives after major life changes, health developments, or moves. Regular updates keep documents aligned with your current values and medical realities and help avoid questions about capacity during emergencies.
If you move to another state, the documents may still be valid, but local law governs enforcement. We can help you adapt directives to your new state to preserve your choices and ensure accessibility across care settings.
Costs vary by the complexity of your plan and the need for updates. We provide transparent pricing and discuss options during your initial consultation to help you make an informed decision.
Yes. You can update or revoke directives at any time. We recommend formal amendments with proper signatures, witnesses, or notarization to preserve enforceability.
If you don’t have nearby family, choose a trusted friend or professional caregiver as your healthcare agent. Ensure they understand your values and can communicate effectively with medical teams.
The timeline varies by case, but a complete plan typically takes several days to a few weeks from filing to signing, depending on document complexity, availability of witnesses, and your readiness to finalize.
