Advance Directives
Do you want to ensure that your wishes are carried out when you can no longer make decisions for yourself? Do you have the appropriate paperwork in place to do so? In the event that you are unable to make decisions for yourself, a Durable Power of Attorney, a Health Care Power of Attorney and a Living Will will allow you to appoint others to make decisions for you to help manage your health care and to protect your financial well being.
Durable Powers of Attorney
A Durable Power of Attorney names someone to act on your behalf to make decisions regarding your finances and assets and to ensure that your bills are paid during any period of time when you cannot do those things for yourself. The person you name must act in accordance with your wishes in carrying out the transactions authorized. It is effective upon signing, and it can be revoked or changed at any time.
Health Care Powers of Attorney
A Health Care Power of Attorney names another person to make medical decisions on your behalf in the event you are unable to make the decisions for yourself. In the Health Care Power of Attorney, you may authorize your representative to consent to certain medical procedures, or to refuse certain medical procedures that you find unacceptable. This document is also effective upon signing and can also be revoked or changed at any time.
Living Wills
A Living Will notifies your family and your doctors of your decisions regarding the treatment you want at the end of your life, such as use of life support systems, artificial hydration and feeding tubes. You may revoke the authority or change the authority you give at any time.
If you have questions about any of these documents, or if you would like to discuss how these documents apply to your personal situation, please call (704) 841-0661. The attorneys at Garrity & Gossage, LLP would be glad to assist you with any of these documents.