Protect Your Future With A Comprehensive Estate Plan

Life is unpredictable, and there may come a time when you are unable to make important financial or medical decisions for yourself. A properly prepared Power of Attorney and Advance Directive help ensure that someone you trust can act on your behalf and that your wishes are clearly understood.

At Craig Tiller Law, we help individuals and families throughout Central Virginia prepare customized estate planning documents that provide peace of mind today and protection for tomorrow. Whether you're creating your first estate plan or updating existing documents, we'll make sure your wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable under Virginia law.

What is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that authorizes another person—known as your agent or attorney-in-fact—to act on your behalf. Depending on your needs, this authority may be broad or limited and can become effective immediately or under specific circumstances.

A durable financial Power of Attorney can allow your chosen agent to:

  • Pay bills and manage bank accounts
  • Handle investments and financial transactions
  • Buy or sell real estate
  • Manage business interests
  • File tax returns and communicate with government agencies
  • Conduct other financial matters if you become unable to do so yourself

Without a valid Power of Attorney, your loved ones may have to petition the court for authority to manage your affairs, which can be both time-consuming and expensive.

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What is an Advance Medical Directive?

An Advance Medical Directive allows you to communicate your healthcare wishes before a medical emergency occurs. It also enables you to appoint a trusted individual to make medical decisions if you are unable to speak for yourself.

Your Advance Directive may address:

  • Medical treatment preferences
  • Life-sustaining procedures
  • Artificial nutrition and hydration
  • Pain management and comfort care
  • Organ and tissue donation
  • The person you want to make healthcare decisions on your behalf

Having these decisions documented can provide guidance for your family while helping reduce uncertainty during difficult situations.

Why these documents matter

Many people believe estate planning is only necessary later in life, but every adult can benefit from having Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives in place. Illness, accidents, or unexpected medical events can happen at any age.

These documents help:

  • Ensure your financial affairs continue without interruption
  • Allow trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf
  • Reduce stress and uncertainty for your loved ones
  • Avoid unnecessary court proceedings
  • Ensure your personal wishes are respected

As part of a complete Virginia estate plan, Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives work alongside your will to protect both you and your family.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

A financial power of attorney generally gives someone authority to handle financial and legal matters on your behalf. An advance directive addresses your health care wishes and allows you to name someone to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself. These documents address different needs and are often used together as part of an estate plan.
If you become unable to manage your affairs and do not have an appropriate power of attorney in place, your family may need to seek court involvement to have someone appointed to manage certain aspects of your affairs. Creating these documents in advance can help reduce uncertainty and avoid unnecessary complications.
It is a good idea to review these documents after major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, the death or incapacity of your named agent, a significant change in your finances, or a change in your health care wishes. Even without a major life event, periodically reviewing your documents can help ensure they still reflect your wishes.