What lifetime planning documents are essential or helpful?
• A Durable Power of Attorney lets a designated person (or designated alternate) act on your behalf to manage property, even if you are legally incapacitated or absent. It may be “general,” allowing the designated person to do anything you could do, or “limited” or “special,” allowing the designated person to take only specified actions (such as funding a trust). Every person should have a Durable Power of Attorney to avoid the need for a court supervised Guardianship in the case of incapacity. • A Medical Power of Attorney lets a designated person (or designated alternate) act on your behalf to make health care treatment decisions while you are incapable of doing so. • A Directive to Physicians under the Texas Natural Death Act (a “Living Will”) expresses your intention that your life not be artificially prolonged if there is no chance of recovery. • A Designation of Guardian allows you to determine who would manage your affairs in the event of the need for a Guardianship. It also all
