What is a Living Will

The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare

The North Carolina Living Will

Like most other states, North Carolina recognizes the Living Will. However, for a Living Will to be valid, it must comply with the North Carolina statutes. North Carolina requires the following for a Living Will to be valid:

1) You must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind when you sign it.

2) You must express your desire that you do not want your doctor to use extraordinary means or artificial nutrition or hydration to keep you alive if your condition is terminal and incurable or if you are in a persistent vegetative state.

3) You must state that you know your Living Will allows your doctor to withhold or stop extraordinary medical treatment or artificial nutrition or hydration.

4) You must sign your Living Will in the presence of two qualified witnesses.

5) Your Living Will must be certified by either a notary public or clerk of superior court.

Witness to the Living Will

Effect of a North Carolina Living Will

Revocation of a North Carolina Living Will

Storing your Living Will