With news of recent celebrity deaths being broadcast on nearly every television channel, the question that often arises is “Did they have a will?”

 

In North Carolina, if you pass away and do not have a will directing the distribution of your assets, then your estate will be distributed according to the intestate laws of the state. By not having a will, you are leaving these critical decisions up to the laws of North Carolina. Any person of sound mind and who is at least 18 years old may make a will.

 

Other estate planning documents are just as important, if not more so, than the will itself. A Living Will is a directive that speaks for you when you are unable to communicate your wishes about important health care decisions due to illness or incapacity. You should talk to your family members, friends, and others you trust about your choices. Also, it is a good idea to talk with professionals such as your doctors, clergypersons, and lawyers before you complete and sign a Living Will. A similar document is a Health Care Power of Attorney. This document is drafted in order to name someone to make health care decisions for you when you cannot make or communicate those decisions. 

 

Hatcher Law Group’s attorneys are experienced in drafting these estate planning documents, including Wills, Living Wills, and a Health Care Power of Attorney. We would be honored to assist you with these estate planning documents. If you have a will in place and would like to update or change your will in any way, we are happy to assist you with this.

 

The article below discusses the importance of having a will: