4 Documents That Are More Important Than a Will

In your plan, you have the opportunity to clearly outline what you would like to happen to your estate after you pass away. More personally impactful, however, is documenting your wishes for your own care prior to your passing. Having these documents in place ensures that when life’s inevitable curve balls happen, your wishes can be carried out effectively:

1.  Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care: Part of this document, sometimes called medical power of attorney, names who you want to make medical decisions for you, if you become unable to make your own. It only goes into effect when you are incapacitated, streamlining getting you the health care you need. You can give your most trusted person the legal authority to have the final say, rather than the loudest voice in the room or a person the state grants authority.
   
2. Living Will: In your Living Will, you decide on your own preferences for end-of-life care and being kept alive in a vegetative state. You retain your autonomy on how you choose to pass away, and take that emotional burden away from your family members.
3. Durable Power of Attorney: Also known as financial power of attorney, this document names who you want to make financial decisions for you. Unlike a simple power of attorney, a Durable POA is also effective if you become incapacitated. Using this documented authority, you enable your most trusted person to access accounts, manage insurance and investments, pay for daily caregiving or home maintenance, manage any property and taxes, and even pay for the care of your pets.
4. Trust Documents: If your estate plan includes an Asset Protection Trust (aka “Irrevocable Trust”), these documents form a fundamental bridge for safeguarding your assets in your lifetime and after you pass away. An Asset Protection Trust shields your assets from liability, maintains your privacy for your estate, and avoids the Probate process for your family.

While a Will serves as a cornerstone of estate planning, it’s essential to recognize the importance of these other documents in protecting your interests and ensuring that your wishes are honored during your lifetime and beyond. Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney can help you understand the role of each document and create a comprehensive estate plan that meets your unique needs and goals. By prioritizing these critical documents alongside your will, you can achieve greater peace of mind knowing that your affairs are well-organized and your wishes are clearly communicated.