What is an advance healthcare directive?

An advance healthcare directive is a legal document that outlines your wishes for medical treatment in case you cannot make decisions for yourself. It ensures your preferences are honored and provides clarity for your loved ones.

How do I designate a power of attorney?

To designate a power of attorney, you need to appoint a trusted individual who will manage your finances if you become unable to do so. It is important to choose someone reliable who understands your financial wishes.

What is a living trust and why is it important?

A living trust is a legal arrangement that allows a trustee to manage your assets if cognitive decline occurs. It helps ensure your assets are preserved and distributed according to your wishes, providing peace of mind.

Why is communication important when planning for cognitive decline?

Open communication with family members about your healthcare and financial preferences is crucial. It prepares your loved ones to support you effectively and ensures that your wishes are understood and respected.

4 Steps on Planning for Cognitive Decline

Cognitive decline is a concern for many as we age but planning ensures you and your loved ones are prepared.

Cognitive decline is never easy. However, by taking proactive steps you can safeguard your well-being and make informed decisions.

Here are four essential steps for preparing for cognitive decline:

Step 1: Create an Advance Healthcare Directive

Establish a clear healthcare directive outlining your wishes for medical treatment if you cannot make decisions for yourself. This document ensures your preferences are honored and removes any uncertainty for your loved ones.

Step 2: Designate a Power of Attorney

Appoint a trusted individual as your financial power of attorney. This person will be responsible for managing your finances should you lose the ability to do so. Choose someone reliable who understands your financial wishes.

Step 3: Establish a Living Trust

A living trust can help manage your assets if cognitive decline occurs. A trustee will take over the management of your estate, ensuring that your assets are preserved and properly distributed according to your wishes.

Step 4: Communicate Your Wishes

Have open conversations with family members about your healthcare and financial preferences. The more transparent you are, the better equipped your loved ones will be to support you in the future.

By taking these steps in preparing for cognitive decline, you ensure your needs are met and that your loved ones have the guidance they need when the time comes.

We specialize in helping you protect your legacy and ensure your loved ones are prepared for the future.

To learn more about how we can assist you in planning ahead, call our office at 404-370-0696 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute strategy session with a team member. Let us help you take the first step in securing peace of mind for you and your family.

Reach out today—your future self will thank you!

Looking to find an experienced estate lawyer in the Georgia area who is skilled in asset protection and estate plan preparation? Shannon Pawley is an attorney in Georgia with expertise in estate planning and asset protection. Shannon can provide assistance with creating an estate plan to include making a will and how to establish a trust properly. If you have questions about asset protection or questions about making an estate plan, reach out to Shannon and she will be glad to help answer all the estate planning questions you might have!

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Stacy McKenzie

2 years ago

Shannon and her team were great. Went in for a consultation and got my money worth. She explained and made sure we understood. I will be using them in the future.

Diane J

2 years ago

Waheed Hamid

3 years ago

We had excellent service from Shannon and her team, they are true professionals and helped us and explained every step in the process. We highly recommend The Estate and Asset Protection Law Firm.

Virgil Price Young

3 years ago

Stephanie Deal

3 years ago

My father and I recently used the estate, an asset protection, law, firm for new wheels, new, power of attorney’s, and a creation of a trust. Brooke and her entire team could not have been more helpful and more professional! We loved working with them, and they took everything seriously therefore I didn’t have to worry about a thing. I highly recommend everyone at the law firm.

Barry Amos

3 years ago

Great firm. Had answers to all our questions and explained everything clearly. Never felt rushed to make a decision Could not ask for a better experience. Every one we dealt with was professional and knowledgeable. We highly recommend this firm for estate planning.

Lee Jay

3 years ago

Shannon provided invaluable information regarding a family estate matter. Although her firm did not quite fit our immediate needs, the consultation was informative and extremely HELPFUL! Shannon clearly explained what our next steps should be and offered to assist if we had any questions along the way. Her expertise and willingness to help puts her in a league of her own!

Alice Guppy

3 years ago

Shannon and everyone at The Estate and Asset Protection Law Firm are professional, very knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. They answered all our questions in great detail and the plan they developed for us is exactly what we need to protect our assets and estate as we age especially with my husband's health issues.

Lynn McKibbin-Moore

4 years ago

My husband has dementia. This firm has been patient, kind and professional while we went through a move from a house of 37 years in to a condo to be closer to my daughter and her husband. (Miami to Atlanta). There was also a wedding. All in 6 months.
We now have a trust, power of attorney. Wills for my daughter and her husband and more. All at a fair price. I could not recommend higher.

Tammy Lee

4 years ago

Shannon Pawley and her team are exceptional at helping families navigate tough situations. We began working with her upon finding out my father had Stage 4 kidney cancer. His decline was more rapid than expected.
Attorney Pawley and her entire team expedited paperwork that allowed me to focus on my father’s care, make decisions that suddenly needed to be made for him medically and financially, and has allowed me the ability to focus more on grieving and less on legal matters upon his passing.
It is obvious she is knowledgeable about the best ways to navigate estates to protect the assets for the owners and their loved ones. It is just as obvious that she is passionate and has true heart for what her clients go through.
We will be using her for own estate needs, and I recommend her expertise to everybody I can.
This service is worth every penny we paid as it has saved us more money and time than I could imagine.

H Jessie Brewer

5 years ago

Attorney Shannon Pawley and paralegal Alexis McCoy are legal professionals that my wife and I highly recommend. Their grasp of the Georgia law pertaining to Medicaid assistance and the interworking's of the State department is exceptional. Additionally, their client-attorney relationship skills are excellent. We wouldn't hesitate to use this law firm again should the need arise.

Dawn Hardy

5 years ago

Shannon and her team are the best! They listened to my needs and provided the best advice. They are patient and professional as well as personable, they didn't make me feel like I was just another client. Highly recommend!