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Key Takeaways:
- Beyond a will and trust, including a Financial Power of Attorney and an Advance Healthcare Directive can enhance your estate plan in Georgia.
- These documents ensure your financial and healthcare decisions are respected even if you become incapacitated.
- Proper implementation of these documents provides comprehensive protection for your assets and personal welfare.
Effective estate planning in Georgia involves more than just drafting a will. Adding a Financial Power of Attorney and an Advance Healthcare Directive to your estate plan can safeguard your interests in cases of incapacity and ensure your wishes are carried out as you intend.
Two Essential Documents to Add to Your Georgia Estate Plan
A will or trust is a great start, but a complete estate plan should include more than just asset distribution. Two critical documents—a Financial Power of Attorney and an Advance Directive for Health Care—can ensure your wishes are followed while you’re still alive if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.
1. Financial Power of Attorney (POA)
A Financial Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone (your “agent”) to manage your finances if you are unable to do so. This document ensures that your bills are paid, your property is managed, and your financial matters are handled smoothly.
Why You Need It:
- If you become incapacitated, your loved ones won’t have to go to court to gain control over your finances.
- Avoids delays in accessing your bank accounts, real estate, or investments.
- Protects your estate from being mismanaged or falling into legal limbo.
Key Features of a Georgia POA:
- Can be general (broad authority) or limited (specific tasks).
- Can take effect immediately or only if you become incapacitated (called a “springing” POA).
- Your agent must act in your best interests and follow your instructions.
Without a POA, your family may have to go through an expensive and time-consuming guardianship process to handle your affairs.
2. Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care
A Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care (formerly called a living will and health care power of attorney) allows you to:
- Name a health care agent who can make medical decisions on your behalf.
- Specify your wishes for life support, end-of-life care, and medical treatments.
Why You Need It:
- Ensures that your medical choices are honored if you can’t communicate them yourself.
- Prevents family conflicts about your care.
- Avoids doctors making decisions that may not align with your values.
This document combines the functions of a living will and a health care power of attorney, making it a must-have for anyone who wants control over their medical treatment.
Why These Documents Are Essential in Georgia
Many people assume a will is enough, but a will only takes effect after death. Without a Financial POA and an Advance Directive, your family may face unnecessary legal hurdles to care for you and manage your affairs.
By adding these two documents to your estate plan, you ensure that:
- Your financial and medical decisions are made by someone you trust.
- You avoid court intervention if you become incapacitated.
- Your family is spared from difficult decisions without guidance.
Let’s Protect Your Future—Start Your Estate Plan Today
At Hurban Law, LLC, we help Georgia residents create comprehensive estate plans that cover every aspect of their future. If you don’t have a Financial POA or an Advance Directive, now is the time to add them.
Contact us today to secure your peace of mind and protect your loved ones.
