What is a living will?

A living will is a legal document that allows individuals in North Carolina to make decisions in advance about their healthcare and end-of-life medical care. It is also known as an advance directive and allows individuals to specify their medical wishes if they are unable to communicate them directly. The document gives instructions to medical professionals on treatments that individuals would or would not want to receive if they are unable to make their own decisions. For instance, a living will can specify whether life-sustaining treatments such as respirators, dialysis, antibiotics, and other treatments should be administered. Living wills are often used in conjunction with a healthcare power of attorney, which names the individual responsible for making healthcare decisions for you if necessary. A living will outlines your wishes and the healthcare power of attorney grants someone authority to carry out those wishes. Living wills are an important part of Elder Law in North Carolina. They provide peace of mind for individuals and their families by securing their wishes for their own healthcare in the event of incapacity. Without a living will, decisions about an individual’s care may be left up to their families or medical professionals, which can potentially result in conflict.

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