Having an advance directive and living will reduces confusion for family members and healthcare providers during emergencies. It clarifies consent for life-sustaining treatment, clarifies preferences for comfort measures, and designates a trusted agent who can make decisions if you are unable. In North Carolina, these documents become a cornerstone of compassionate, patient-centered care.
Coordinated documents improve communication among providers and loved ones. Clear messages reduce misinterpretations and ensure timely action. With consistent language, decisions align with your goals across hospitals, clinics, and home care.
Hatcher Legal, PLLC delivers accessible, plain-language guidance and a collaborative drafting process that respects your goals. We listen carefully, explain options clearly, and tailor each directive to your medical, personal, and financial circumstances.
Confirmation of updated contact information and caregiver roles. We confirm current contact details, medical providers, and agent responsibilities for ongoing use across life stages.
An advance directive is a legal document that records your preferences for medical treatment if you become unable to communicate. It often includes a living will and can designate a health care proxy. Together these tools help ensure your values guide care decisions, reduce family stress during emergencies, and support clinicians in providing treatment aligned with your wishes.
Choose someone you trust to know your values and communicate clearly with doctors. This person should be able to handle stressful situations, make timely decisions, and be willing to advocate for your stated preferences. Many clients name a primary agent and an alternate to ensure continuity if plans change or circumstances shift.
A durable power of attorney for finances is separate from a health care proxy and governs financial decisions if you cannot manage them. It is common to have both, but they serve distinct purposes. Your attorney should be trusted, capable of handling bills, investments, property, and tax matters while your health decisions are handled by a separate agent.
Review directives at least every two to three years, or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, relocation, or changes in health. Regular checks help ensure your documents reflect current wishes. A trusted attorney can guide updates to names, contacts, and treatment preferences to remain legally sound.
State law changes may affect witnessing requirements, forms, or the legality of certain directives. Periodic review with an attorney ensures your documents stay compliant. We monitor NC updates and advise when a rewrite or restatement is prudent to maintain enforceability.
Store originals in a safe location at home or with your attorney. Provide copies to your health care proxy, primary physician, and loved ones. Digital backups in encrypted storage add an extra layer of protection and quick access during emergencies.
Yes. You can revoke or amend directives at any time, provided you properly sign and witnesses are updated according to state law. Keep a current copy, notify your healthcare proxy, and update related documents to reflect changes.
Directives mainly address medical decisions; they do not typically change insurance eligibility. However, ensuring your documents are consistent with your financial planning can help prevent gaps. Consult a planner familiar with Medicaid rules to coordinate benefits with care preferences.
Costs vary by complexity and location, but many clients find that a well-crafted advance directive is a worthwhile long-term investment in peace of mind. We offer clear pricing and a transparent process, with options for updates as your situation evolves.
Once we complete the intake and gather your preferences, drafting usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on revisions. We aim for timely delivery and easy access to finalized documents for immediate use.
