Having an advance healthcare directive or living will is a proactive step that clarifies medical preferences, reduces ambiguity, and guides family members during difficult times. These documents empower you to name decision makers, specify treatment options, and communicate values that influence choices about life-sustaining care, pain management, and end-of-life decisions.
A unified plan minimizes contradictions between directives, guardianship choices, and financial decisions. Consistency helps clinicians implement care plans accurately and supports family members in following your stated preferences without second-guessing.
Hatcher Legal, PLLC brings practical, client-centered guidance to estate planning in North Carolina. We help you navigate complex choices, prepare compliant directives, and ensure your healthcare preferences are clearly documented and accessible to medical professionals when needed.
We offer guidance on when and how to revise directives, ensuring ongoing alignment with evolving health status and family circumstances, while maintaining compliance with state law.
An advance directive is a broad term that can include a living will and a healthcare power of attorney. A living will outlines the treatments you want or do not want, while a healthcare POA designates someone to make decisions for you if you cannot. These documents are designed to work together to protect your wishes.
Typically, a trusted adult you know well may serve as a healthcare proxy, provided they understand your values and are willing to follow your directives. In North Carolina, specific rules govern who may serve and how proxies interact with physicians and medical teams.
Yes. You can update directives as your preferences or health circumstances change. We guide you through a straightforward amendment process, ensuring updates remain legally valid and properly synchronized with other estate planning documents.
Bring a list of medications, your main healthcare concerns, any existing directives, and contact information for your chosen healthcare agent. If you have family members who will be involved, bring their details as well to discuss roles and expectations.
Wills and trusts handle asset distribution, while directives govern medical decisions. When coordinated, these instruments reflect a consistent plan for both care and legacy, reducing contradictions between medical wishes and financial arrangements.
Most documents are valid in emergencies and across state lines, but nuances can vary. We ensure forms are compliant with North Carolina law and provide guidance on how to carry copies during travel or relocation.
A healthcare POA focuses on medical decisions and may be distinct from a financial POA. Both can exist, but naming a person who understands your medical preferences is crucial for coherent care decisions when you cannot speak for yourself.
Generally, spouses or partners may share similar directives, but each person should have their own documents reflecting their individual wishes. We help families structure coordinated directives that fit both partners’ values and treatment preferences.
The timeline depends on the complexity of your situation. A typical process may take a few weeks, including questions, drafting, review, and finalization. We strive to be efficient while ensuring your choices are clearly articulated and legally sound.
Costs vary with complexity and customization. We provide transparent pricing during the initial consultation and offer options to fit different budgets. The value lies in preserving autonomy, reducing family strain, and ensuring compliant, actionable documents.
