What is a living will?

A living will is a legal document that outlines the medical care that an individual would like to receive or reject if they become incapacitated. In North Carolina, a living will is also called an advance directive. The living will is very important because it states what medical treatments an individual does or does not wish to receive in case they become unable to communicate their wishes. A living will allows an individual to make decisions about their medical care while they still have the capacity to do so. This includes decisions related to end-of-life care such as the use of life support, artificial nutrition, and hydration. Living wills also allow individuals to make decisions about other treatments such as the refusal of certain medical treatments or the authorization of others. Living wills are often included as a part of a comprehensive estate plan. This is important because it allows an individual to make their wishes known while they are still alive and can communicate them. If an individual does not have a living will, their family may be stuck trying to make difficult medical decisions on their behalf. In North Carolina, individuals must be 18 years or older and of sound mind to create a valid living will. It is recommended that an individual meets with an attorney before creating the living will to ensure that their wishes are properly documented and legally binding.

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