NC: Power of Attorney

In North Carolina, a power of attorney designates an agent of your choice to act on your behalf and make decisions regarding your financial and healthcare matters.  In general, these documents are used if you become incapacitated or choose to no longer make such decisions.  While a durable or general power of attorney and a health care power of attorney do not survive death, they are an essential part of an estate plan and careful thought should be given in selecting one’s agents and any successors.

A durable or general power of attorney appoints an agent to handle your finances when and if you ever become incapacitated or would like another person to handle your financial affairs.  It allows you to limit or expand these powers as you desire and requires the agent to make decisions that are in your best interest and in a way that they believe you would act yourself.

A health care power of attorney appoints a health care agent to make decisions regarding your medical care and treatment if and when you are unable to make these decisions yourself.  It allows you to make clear beforehand what your desires would be in the case of a health care crisis.  In addition, it ensures that the person you select can talk candidly with health care providers and make sure that you receive the medical care that you desire.

It is important to speak to an experienced and compassionate attorney before executing either power of attorney to ensure it takes into account all of your needs and interests.  Our attorneys will customize these important documents as part of a comprehensive estate plan that gives you peace of mind.