How to Make Sure You Decide Who Helps You in the Future: Protecting Your Right To Choose

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you were to become ill or get into an accident that left you mentally incapacitated? Who would help you make important decisions? Would anyone know what you would want? Most people don’t think about these things let alone put a plan in place just in case. No one knows for certain how the future will unfold, but everyone has the prerogative and the privilege to plan for whatever life may have in store. Planning means more than saving money and writing a will. More importantly it means deciding who will act on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. Protecting your right to choose who makes decisions for you is essential to maintaining control, dignity, and peace of mind.

One of the most important steps is selecting a trusted agent. This person, often named in a Power of Attorney or healthcare directive, will make financial or medical decisions for you based on your values if you become incapacitated. It’s important to choose someone who knows and understands your values, someone who communicates well, and is willing to advocate for your wishes under pressure. It’s not just about trust; it’s about judgment and reliability.

Equally important is naming backup agents. Life is unpredictable, and your first choice may become unavailable due to illness, distance, or other circumstances. By designating one or two alternates, you ensure continuity and avoid gaps in decision-making when it matters most.

In some cases, you may prefer a neutral fiduciary—such as a professional trustee, attorney, or financial institution. This can be especially useful if family dynamics are complicated or if your estate is complex. A neutral party brings expertise and impartiality, reducing the risk of conflict or mismanagement.

Taking these steps also helps you avoid court-appointed guardians or conservators. If you don’t have clear legal documents in place, a court may step in and assign someone—possibly a stranger—to make critical decisions for you. This process can be time-consuming, costly, and emotionally taxing for loved ones.

Ultimately, protecting your right to choose who makes decisions for you if you become incapable is about proactive planning. By clearly documenting your preferences and selecting the right people, you retain control over your future and spare your family unnecessary stress. It’s a simple but powerful way to ensure your voice is heard, no matter what lies ahead.

Take the first step toward protecting your right to choose who will make decisions for you in the event you are no longer able. Call our office today at (470)235-7868.

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

21:58 07 Feb 24

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.

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23:10 24 Jan 24

Waheed Hamid

18:55 17 Dec 23

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

20:16 18 Jul 23

Stephanie Deal

15:22 07 Jul 23

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

01:22 01 Jul 23

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

21:30 28 Jun 23

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

02:01 23 Jan 23

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

23:09 24 Feb 22

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

22:03 29 Jan 22

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

18:26 18 Nov 21

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

15:06 13 Nov 21

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!