A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that outlines how you want your property and assets to be distributed after your passing. You can also designate a guardian for your minor children. Preparing a Will is your key opportunity to make your wishes known. If you do not have a Will, then your assets will be distributed according to the South Carolina Probate Code.

Any person who is over the age of 18 years old and of sound mind can have a Will prepared.

A Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) document allows you (the principal) to designate another person (the agent) to make financial decisions on your behalf. The durable nature of this document means it remains valid despite your mental or physical incapacity, meaning your agent can make financial decisions if you are incapacitated.

The agent must act in accordance with the language of the DPOA and your best interests.

With this document, you are able to designate a person (agent) who can make healthcare decisions for you, in the event you are incapacitated and can no longer make healthcare decisions yourself.

You can express your wishes in this document that your agent must follow as to the healthcare you receive. An example could be your desire to not receive artificial nutrition/hydration or pain medication.