Surprises happen. When a surprise in life prevents you from acting, Georgia law will step in and decide for you. However, with the proper foresight, preparation and action, every Georgian may
have their wishes followed even when they are unable to act on their own behalf.
Every adult in Georgia should have a Will,
a General Power of Attorney, a Power of Attorney for Health Care, and a Living Will.
Will
Without a will, the probate court
will apply rules based on a traditional family structure to distribute your estate.
With a will, you can leave your estate to whomever you please regardless of their relationship. Furthermore, unless you make specific provisions for a bequest to a person in your will, there is no legal
means for that person to enforce your wishes, even if you have made them known otherwise.
General
Power of Attorney
A general power of attorney authorizes
the person designated to act on your behalf. Usually these are drafted to take
effect only when you become incapacitated. While your incapacity continues the
power of attorney allows your agent to access your bank accounts and other assets to pay your monthly bills and deal with
other issues that may arise, without court intervention.
Power of Attorney for Health Care
This document gives the designated person
the right to make decisions about your medical care if you are unable. This is
drafted in conjunction with your Living Will and allows your designee to sign for surgery or other procedures if you are unable
and need the treatment to recover. It further authorizes the medical staff to
communicate with your designee about your medical situation in our current HIPAA era of medical security and privacy.
Living Will
The Directive to Physicians is commonly
known as a Living Will. This declaration is aimed at your health care professionals
and sets forth your wishes regarding medical care should you not be able to communicate and there is no hope for recovery. Furthermore, it can encourage and authorize, or discourage and prevent, your designee
in the Power of Attorney for Health Care regarding specified actions.
You can reach us at:
Attorney
Bruce T. Leonard & Associates, LLC
Cumming Campus:
Alpharetta Campus:
5830 Bond Street
200 Milton Park Building
Suite
300
11175 Cicero Avenue Suite 100
Cumming, Georgia 30040
Alpharetta, Georgia 30022
Phone: (678) 215-5556
Fax: (678)
679-2431
btl@attybtl.com
