Powers of attorney & health care directives

Estate planning isn’t only about what happens after you die. It’s also about what happens if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. Durable powers of attorney for finances and health care let you name someone you trust to act on your behalf if that day comes.

What we’ll cover in detail

• The difference between a financial power of attorney and a health care directive
• What “durable” means and why it matters
• Choosing the right agent and naming a successor
• How specific or broad to make the agent’s authority
• Health care directives, living wills, and POLST forms
• What happens without these documents (and why guardianship proceedings are something to avoid)

These documents are usually the cheapest, simplest part of an estate plan, and they protect you while you’re still alive. Don’t put them off.