Advance health care directives are legal documents that allow you to make decisions ahead of time regarding your health care in the event that you are unable to due to illness or incapacity.  There are two different documents commonly used when discussing advance directives: a living will and a health care power of attorney.  Although serious illness or death is not something most of us like to think about, it is important to consider what kind of medical care you would want if you were too ill or hurt to express your wishes.  Advance directives allow your requests to be known to your family, friends and health care professionals to avoid future confusion and misunderstanding.

 
A living will spells out your preferences in terms of the type of care and course of treatment used to sustain your life.  For example, the use of breathing machines, feeding tubes, organ and tissue donation, etc.  A living will also dictates whether or not you would like all of these measures taken, none of them taken, or only certain ones taken.  It can be very specific or general in nature. 
   
A health care power of attorney appoints an individual to make health care decisions on your behalf in the event that you are unable to do so.  Again, this allows you to choose ahead of time the person(s) who will make these important decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so.
 
We at Hull & Chandler understand that these are important decisions.  Our attorneys have extensive experience handling these sensitive matters.  Contact the firm here, or call us at 704-375-8488 to schedule an appointment.