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Book Consultation
984-265-7800
Book Consultation
984-265-7800
Book Consultation
984-265-7800
A properly prepared healthcare power of attorney ensures your medical wishes are respected when you cannot speak for yourself. It identifies a trusted decision-maker, reduces family disagreements, and can streamline hospital communications, consent processes, and admission decisions. This plan helps you avoid court guardianship and provides clear instructions for doctors, hospitals, and caregivers.
Clear guidance for medical teams reduces delays and uncertainties during emergencies, helping to ensure treatment aligns with your values and goals when every moment counts.
Our firm combines strong estate planning experience with a practical, compassionate approach. We tailor documents to your unique health care preferences, family dynamics, and local regulations, ensuring your plan is enforceable and easy to use when it matters most.
We offer secure storage and easy retrieval of your documents, along with guidance on sharing updates with your agent and healthcare providers.
A healthcare POA designates a person to make medical decisions when you cannot communicate. It is different from a living will, which outlines treatment preferences. Having both documents ensures your representative knows your preferences and can act decisively. If you don’t appoint an agent, North Carolina law may assign one or require a guardianship, which can be costly and time-consuming during emergencies, potentially delaying critical care decisions and creating family conflict.
Choose a healthcare agent who knows your values, can communicate clearly with medical staff, and is willing to advocate on your behalf under pressure. Discuss scenarios, verify willingness, and name alternates to prevent gaps. Also provide copies to physicians and family to prevent confusion if the primary agent is unavailable.
Yes, you can revoke or change a healthcare POA at any time while you have capacity. The process typically requires a written document or a properly executed amendment, and ensure all parties are notified. Store updated copies and inform your doctors and family to avoid reliance on outdated guidance.
Most physicians will honor a valid POA and accompanying living will when the agent can present the documents and HIPAA releases. Effective communication with the care team helps ensure your preferences are understood and implemented. If there is disagreement, your agent may request a second opinion or involve the hospital ombudsman to resolve conflicts while keeping patient welfare as the central focus.
Costs vary with document complexity, required coordination, and whether additional directives are included. Some firms offer fixed-fee packages for healthcare POA and related documents, with flat rates for clarity and budgeting. Discuss pricing during the initial consult to avoid surprises, and ask about revisions and ongoing plan maintenance as needed. Many firms offer bundled packages that include periodic reviews, updates, and secure storage of documents.
HIPAA release permits sharing of medical information with your designated agent. Without them, providers may limit access, hindering informed decisions. Ensure your POA includes clear HIPAA waivers and discuss with your agent how information should be shared in urgent situations.
Yes, you can name alternates in order of succession, in case the primary cannot serve. Include clear instructions about how and when alternates take over, and ensure communication with medical teams to avoid delays. Coordinate with your attorney to ensure the appointment of alternates complies with North Carolina law and your wishes.
A valid POA remains in effect across state lines if it complies with North Carolina law. If you have a POA drafted in another state, bring it to a local attorney to verify enforceability and update to North Carolina standards. Consider adding a portable HIPAA release and ensure your agent has access wherever you travel.
Finalization typically takes a few days to a few weeks. After our initial consultation and data gathering, we draft documents, review with you, address any changes, and finalize the process in a manner compliant with North Carolina law. Allow extra time if you include additional directives or require notarization and multiple signings.
Bring valid photo ID, any existing healthcare directives, and a list of medications and healthcare providers. Also bring contact information for your chosen agent and alternates, and any relevant documents like court orders or trusts. Prepare questions about NC law and the process for your consultation.
