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Planning For The Unexpected With Powers Of Attorney

August 6, 2025

estate planning lawyer Maryville, TN

Life can change in an instant. While we hope to never face a sudden illness or accident, the reality is that these situations can happen when we least expect them. That’s why it’s so important to have the right legal documents in place to protect yourself and your family. One of the most valuable tools we can use in estate planning is a power of attorney. At Carpenter & Lewis PLLC, we help clients in Maryville and surrounding communities put these documents in place so they’re prepared for both the future and the unexpected.

Durable Power Of Attorney For Financial Matters

A durable power of attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to handle your financial matters if you become unable to do so yourself. This could include paying bills, managing bank accounts, or handling property transactions. The term “durable” means that the authority continues even if you lose the ability to make decisions on your own, which is often exactly when it’s most needed. Without this document, your loved ones could face delays or even court proceedings just to take care of basic financial matters on your behalf.

Health Care Power Of Attorney

A health care power of attorney allows someone you trust to make medical decisions if you can’t speak for yourself. This person can be your voice in conversations with doctors, making choices that align with your values and wishes. Having this document in place brings peace of mind to you and clarity for your loved ones in stressful moments. It’s about having a plan so medical decisions can be made quickly and in your best interest.

Living Will And End-of-Life Care Decisions

The living will is often misunderstood because of its name. Unlike a traditional will that distributes property after death, a living will outlines your wishes for end-of-life care while you are still living but unable to communicate. It can include instructions on whether you want life support if recovery is unlikely. By setting these wishes in writing, you relieve your family from having to make those decisions without knowing what you would have wanted.

Why These Documents Work Best Together

Each of these documents covers a different part of decision-making—financial matters, health care choices, and end-of-life preferences. When combined, they provide a complete plan for situations where you can’t make decisions for yourself. They help prevent confusion, disagreements, and unnecessary delays when quick action is needed. We can hope these documents are never used, but having them ready is one of the most practical steps you can take in estate planning.

Taking The Next Step With Carpenter & Lewis PLLC

Having the right powers of attorney and related documents in place is an important part of protecting yourself and your family. As your Maryville, TN estate planning lawyer, we’ve seen how valuable these documents can be when they’re needed. If you haven’t put them in place yet, now is the time. Contact us at Carpenter & Lewis PLLC so we can walk you through your options and prepare a plan that fits your needs.