Powers of Attorney

Protection During Your Lifetime

While Wills and Trusts are primarily focused on what happens after you pass away, Powers of Attorney are critical documents designed to protect you while you are still alive. At George Browning III PA, we consider these documents to be the “unsung heroes” of a complete estate plan. They are essential tools that allow you to appoint someone you trust—referred to as your “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”—to act on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself.

Imagine if you were suddenly hospitalized due to an accident or an unexpected illness and couldn’t communicate. Who would pay your mortgage? Who would access your bank accounts to keep the lights on at home? Who would file your taxes or manage your investments? Without a Durable Financial Power of Attorney, your spouse or adult children do not automatically have the right to perform these actions for you. They would likely have to petition the court to be appointed as your legal guardian or conservator—a process that is public, time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining for your family during an already stressful time.

By proactively creating a Financial Power of Attorney with George Browning III PA, you choose exactly who will have this authority and, just as importantly, what specific powers they will have. You can grant broad powers to handle all your financial affairs, or you can limit them to specific transactions, like selling a piece of real estate. We help you understand the difference between a “durable” power of attorney, which remains effective even if you become incapacitated, and a “springing” power of attorney, which only goes into effect after a doctor determines you cannot make your own decisions. We guide you through the pros and cons of each to find the right fit for your comfort level.

Equally important is the Medical Power of Attorney (sometimes called a Healthcare Proxy). This document allows you to name a trusted person to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to communicate your wishes to your doctors. This isn’t just about end-of-life decisions; it applies to any situation where you are temporarily or permanently incapacitated. Your designated healthcare agent can consent to surgeries, choose doctors and hospitals, and access your medical records. Choosing the right person for this role is crucial—it needs to be someone who knows your values, understands your wishes regarding medical treatment, and is strong enough to advocate for you in difficult situations.

We take great care in helping you select and appoint the right agents for these powerful roles. We also counsel your chosen agents so they understand the serious fiduciary duty they owe to you when acting under a Power of Attorney. These documents are about maintaining control over your life, even when you can’t physically be in the driver’s seat. With George Browning III PA, you can rest easy knowing you have a safety net in place, championed by people you trust.