In the wake of the tragic conflict between the husband and the parents of Terry Schiavo, a young Florida woman who was in a persistent vegetative state, many people were reminded of the importance of a health care power of attorney. Planning for health care priorities in times of potential incapacity or incompetence is a vital part of an overall estate planning "package."
When you make an appointment for a consultation with one of our Raleigh estate planning lawyers regarding a health care power of attorney, you can expect a focused discussion of questions such as the following:
- If you should become incapacitated, do you wish to be allowed to die a natural death without heroic intervention?
- Do you wish to give a designated decision maker such as your spouse or child the power to decide to withhold food and water from you when you are no longer able to make that choice for yourself?
- Who do you trust to serve as health care proxy on your behalf? Through a health care power of attorney, this person would be empowered to make decisions for you in the event that you are seriously injured or incapacitated — in a coma or otherwise unable to speak for yourself.
As difficult as it can be to contemplate such questions, a wise person realizes that a health care power of attorney can prevent unnecessary heartache, family conflicts and/or undue expense. For example, if you are dying and your doctors hold out no hope for your recovery, a health care power of attorney can give someone the ability to deny expensive tests and treatments which might briefly prolong your physical life, albeit in a greatly diminished capacity.
Contact Our North Carolina Health Care Power of Attorney Law Firm
Our estate planning lawyers provide skilled representation through any phase of the estate management and asset protection process. We handle probate thoroughly and efficiently. Our trial attorneys are prepared to represent clients in will contests. You can rest assured that we will uphold your best interests through our legal counsel and representation. Contact us to schedule a consultation regarding you estate-related legal concern.
Our law firm is built upon our commitment to clients and our strong record of success. At Crawford & Crawford, LLP, we pride ourselves on our dedication to our clients' success. We have more than 35 years of combined legal experience providing strong representation of professionals and others in Raleigh and throughout eastern North Carolina.
