How a POA and Will Go Hand-in-Hand

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Estate planning isn’t just about deciding what happens to your assets after you pass away. It’s also about making sure your wishes are respected — and your affairs protected — while you are still alive. That’s why a Power of Attorney (POA) is just as essential as a will. Together, these documents create a strong foundation for your estate plan and help your loved ones avoid confusion, conflict, and crisis during difficult times.

At Turner Law in Decatur, GA, we help individuals and families create comprehensive estate plans that protect their interests and offer lasting peace of mind. Understanding how a will and a POA work together is one of the most important steps in safeguarding your future.

What Does a Power of Attorney Do?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint a trusted person — known as your agent — to act on your behalf. Depending on the type of POA, this authority may cover:

  • Financial decisions, such as paying bills, managing bank accounts, filing taxes, or handling investments
  • Legal matters, including signing documents or managing property
  • Healthcare decisions, such as directing medical care, choosing providers, or making decisions if you become incapacitated

There are several types of POAs, but the two most commonly used in estate planning are:

  • Durable Financial POA – Allows a designated person to manage your finances if you become unable to.
  • Healthcare POA – Appoints someone to make medical decisions if you cannot speak for yourself.

A POA becomes especially critical in situations involving sudden illness, injury, or cognitive decline. Without one, your family may have to petition the court for guardianship — a process that can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally taxing.

Why Having a POA in Place Matters

A POA is important because it protects you during your lifetime, especially when you are unable to make decisions independently. Consider these facts:

  • According to the National Institute on Aging, nearly one-third of older adults experience some form of cognitive decline, making early planning essential.
  • The AARP reports that more than 6 in 10 adults do not have a POA, leaving their families vulnerable during emergencies.
  • A properly executed POA helps avoid delays in care, ensures bills and responsibilities are managed, and gives your chosen agent the authority to act in your best interest.

How a Will Complements Your POA

While a POA protects you during your lifetime, a will outlines your wishes after your passing. These two documents work together to create a complete estate plan.

A will:

  • Directs how your assets should be distributed
  • Names a guardian for minor children
  • Appoints an executor to manage your estate
  • Helps prevent disputes among loved ones

However, a will does not authorize anyone to make decisions while you are alive. That’s why a POA is essential — the two handle different periods of your life but work toward the same goal: ensuring your wishes are honored.

With both documents in place, your loved ones have clear guidance before and after your death, reducing stress and confusion during difficult moments.

Planning Ahead Protects You and Your Family

Life is unpredictable. A medical emergency, unexpected accident, or sudden change in health can happen anytime. Establishing a POA and will today ensures:

  • Your financial and medical decisions are handled by someone you trust
  • Your family avoids costly legal intervention
  • Your estate is distributed according to your wishes
  • You maintain control over your legacy

Creating these documents early — and updating them as life circumstances change — is one of the most thoughtful steps you can take for your loved ones.

Turner Law Is Here to Help

At Turner Law in Decatur, GA, we guide clients through every step of the estate planning process with clarity, compassion, and legal expertise. Whether you need a will, a POA, or a more comprehensive plan, we help protect the people and assets that matter most.

Contact Turner Law today to schedule a consultation and ensure your future is secure.

Posted on the behalf of Turner Law, LLC