Health care power of attorney in North Carolina

WHAT IS A HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY?

In North Carolina, a healthcare power of attorney works in conjunction with a living will. This is the document that specifies your health care agent, which is the person who will make medical decisions for you in the event of your incapacitation. Your health care agent needs to be someone close to you who you can trust. An estate planning lawyer can help you appoint a health care agent. 

WHO CAN BE MY HEALTH CARE AGENT?

Most people choose their spouse, partner, relative, or close friend as their health care agent. North Carolina requires that your health care agent be (i) at least 18 years of age, and (ii) not being compensated for providing you health care. An estate planning lawyer can help you determine who will qualify as your health care agent. 


WHAT IF I APPOINTED MY FORMER SPOUSE AS MY HEALTH CARE AGENT?

In North Carolina, if the principal appoints his or her spouse as their agent, such spouse's authority to act as agent is revoked upon the entry by a court of a decree of divorce or separation. N.C.G.S. 32A-20(c). 

Speak to an estate planning lawyer at Adkins Law if you have questions concerning health care powers of attorney. Adkins Law is located in Huntersville, NC and primarily serves Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Gaston County, Iredell County, Cabarrus County, and the Lake Norman area. 

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