For clients not needing a new will but are wanting to update or execute new directives, we offer services to refresh these estate planning documents.

Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care

This new document, effective July 1, 2007, “combines” the Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care forms.  It allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions for you when you are unable to make those decisions for yourself; you may also state your personal care and medical treatment preferences, including accepting or declining certain types of treatment and the withdrawal or continuation of life support in certain circumstances.  This form allows you to choose a trusted individual to make critical decisions for you, thereby avoiding conflict among your family about who should make your medical decisions.  It also avoids the necessity of having a guardian appointed by the probate court to make medical decisions for you.

Financial Power of Attorney

This document allows you to appoint someone to act on your behalf to handle your assets when you cannot.  If you become mentally or physically disabled, your agent would be able to access your bank accounts, retirement benefits, autos, home, etc. in order to handle your financial affairs.  If you do not sign a Financial Power of Attorney and you do become incapacitated, the probate court would need to appoint a guardian of your property which can be burdensome and expensive. It can also be used if you are out of town for a long period of time or in emergency situations.   This document may be revoked at any time.  One word of caution is in order.  A Financial Power of Attorney is subject to abuse.  Accordingly, you must have the utmost confidence in the person named in your Financial Power of Attorney