Davidson Living Wills Lawyer

Davidson Living Wills Attorney

When you’re planning for your future, there is more to consider than assets and heirs. It’s also important to consider how your medical preferences will be honored when you cannot speak for yourself. The Davidson living will lawyers of Thomas & Webber are ready to help you protect your healthcare decisions and prepare for future possibilities.

What Is a Living Will?

A living will legally outlines your preference for medical treatment and life-sustaining measures in the event you become incapacitated or can no longer communicate your wishes. Living wills determine whether you want to be placed on a ventilator and whether you consent to artificial nutrition or hydration. You can specify your preference for life-saving measures, such as CPR, and whether you want comfort care or pain management only.

Unlike a last will and testament, a living will focuses on medical care while you are still alive. Living will laws vary by state. In North Carolina, specific statutes govern when a living will takes effect. Unfortunately, only about 34% of older adults have a living will in place.

A Living Will Vs. Medical Power of Attorney

Both a living will and a medical power of attorney deal with healthcare decisions. However, they serve different purposes. A complete estate plan should include both.

Here are the main differences:

• Living will: This document sets out your treatment preferences in advance. It generally involves end-of-life care and life-sustaining measures. In the event that you become incapacitated, the will provides instructions about your wishes.
• Medical power of attorney: This document appoints a trusted person, such as a spouse or other close friend or relative, to make medical decisions for you if you cannot. This option can provide more flexibility under various medical situations that a living will cannot address.

Creating both documents covers your bases for various scenarios. Our skilled Davidson living wills lawyers can guide you through drafting both documents so that they work together effectively. Whether you seek healthcare at nearby hospitals such as Duke Health Lake Norman in Mooresville, Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center, or another facility near Davidson, having clear directions on treatment preferences is important for all Davidson residents.

Why a Living Will Is Important in an Estate Plan

Estate planning is more than just distributing assets. A living will is part of a comprehensive estate plan because it helps you plan for your future healthcare needs.

A living will:

• Makes sure your wishes are respected: Without a living will, medical care decisions may be left to others who don’t hold your values or understand your personal preferences.
• Reduces family conflict: Medical crises often put enormous emotional stress on families and can put a lot of pressure on everyone. A living will can help prevent conflicts.
• Provides comfort to loved ones: Your family won’t have to guess what you would have wanted. During a difficult time, this can really be a gift to your family.
• Works in harmony with other estate planning: Together with other tools, such as last wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, you can have a comprehensive and effective estate plan.

Why You Should Choose Thomas & Webber

Thomas & Webber take pride in delivering personalized legal services for individuals and families in Davidson and the North Mecklenburg County area. We have a deep understanding of North Carolina’s living will laws. Our team ensures your documents are drafted correctly and meet legal requirements.

Your situation is unique. We take the time to understand your specific needs, health concerns, and family dynamics. Your personal values and beliefs can also play a huge part in how you want your future healthcare to be handled. The living will can be tailored to reflect your specific wishes.

Beyond living wills, Thomas & Webber handles an array of estate planning services. We know that it is not easy to discuss end-of-life decisions, but our compassionate team guides you through the process with care and attention to detail.

FAQs

How Much Does a Living Will Cost in NC?

The cost of creating a living will varies. If you hire a living will lawyer, law firms will have different rates and methods of charging for services. Complicated documents can lead to higher costs for living will creation. Also, crafting a living will could be part of an estate planning package.

What Is the Main Drawback of a Living Will?

The main drawback of creating a living will is the lack of flexibility. Medical situations can be unpredictable. It’s not possible to cover every possible scenario, which leaves healthcare providers uncertain about your intentions. Vague or outdated instructions can lead to confusion or disputes among family members and doctors. To reduce risks, it’s a good idea to pair a living will with a healthcare power of attorney.

What Is Required for a Living Will in Davidson, NC?

To create a legally valid living will in Davidson, NC, you need to be at least 18 years old and mentally competent. The document must be in writing, signed by you, and notarized or witnessed by two qualified individuals. Witnesses cannot be your relatives, healthcare providers, or anyone with a financial interest in your estate. The living will should also clearly state your preferences for life-prolonging treatments.

What Kind of Attorney Handles Living Wills?

An estate planning attorney or elder law attorney typically handles living wills. These legal professionals help clients prepare documents related to end-of-life decisions and healthcare directives. A knowledgeable estate planning attorney can ensure your living will is properly drafted, legally compliant, and reflective of your personal values.

Hire a Living Will Lawyer

No matter where you are in the estate planning process, Thomas & Webber can help ensure you have all your bases covered. Our Davidson living wills attorneys can help you draft a living will that gives you and your loved ones peace of mind.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help protect your future wishes. We have offices in Denver, Huntersville, and Mooresville to better serve you.