Understand Powers of Attorney

Though considering powers of attorney has nothing to do with your will, you should think about your wishes regarding end-of-life decisions. You might consider working with your attorney to create a living will, also known as an advance directive, or durable healthcare power.

A living will or advance directive gives directions on how to act if certain events occur, leaving you incapable of making decisions for yourself. A durable healthcare power allows you to name a trusted individual to make the decisions regarding your care if you are unable to do so for yourself.

Because it is likely that you will name your executor or someone known to your executor for this role, you will want to let the executor know you have such plans in place. Remember, though, that powers of attorney expire at death and the will takes over as a guiding document at that point.