At Bromlow Law, PLLC, we believe planning ahead is one of the best ways to protect your family. Attorney Laura Bromlow is here to guide you gently and clearly through estate planning, including understanding tools like a power of attorney (POA).
What Is a Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney is a legal document that lets you choose someone you trust (called your agent) to handle important decisions if you can’t do so yourself. Depending on your needs, your agent can help manage your finances, medical decisions, or both.
Types of Powers of Attorney
In Texas, there are a few types of POAs you should know about:
Medical POA
This document empowers your designated agent to make critical healthcare decisions if a physician determines you are unable to. This includes choices about treatments, surgeries, medications, and crucially, your wishes regarding end-of-life care, ensuring your medical preferences are honored.
Financial POA
This grants an agent authority over your financial affairs. It can be broad or specific, covering tasks like paying bills, managing bank accounts and investments, or handling real estate matters, providing vital support when needed.
Durable POA
This is a vital characteristic for both Medical and Financial POAs in Texas. It ensures your agent’s authority continues even if you become incapacitated. This prevents potential delays or the need for court-appointed guardianship, guaranteeing someone you trust remains in charge.
Estate Planning vs. Power of Attorney
A power of attorney (POA) lets someone you trust step in for you when you can’t act for yourself. It is quick, helpful for single tasks, and can focus on money, health care, or both.
Estate planning, however, looks at your whole life picture, wills, trusts, guardians for children, special‑needs care, and more.
By pairing a POA with a full estate plan, you make sure no detail slips through the cracks and your family avoids future arguments.
So, when should you take the next step beyond a POA?
If you’re raising kids, managing health challenges, thinking about retirement, or simply want peace of mind, a complete estate plan keeps everyone on the same page.
Bottom line: a POA is a great tool, but an estate plan is your family’s full safety net, designed to prevent confusion and keep the people you love working together.
If you need help with estate planning, we are here to guide you through the process.
Beyond a POA: Other Ways Texans Can Plan Ahead
If a POA doesn’t fit every situation, Texans have other options.
- A revocable living trust lets a chosen trustee manage property without court involvement.
- Pay‑on‑death and transfer‑on‑death designations move bank or brokerage accounts directly to loved ones.
- Joint ownership can give a spouse immediate access to shared assets.
- Advance health care directives and HIPAA releases spell out medical wishes and share information with doctors.
Each choice has its own rules, and Laura can help decide which mix best shields your family and keeps life simple.
Common Questions About Power of Attorney
When does a POA start working?
You decide. It can begin the moment you sign, or only if a doctor says you can’t make decisions yourself.
Can I change or cancel my POA?
Yes. As long as you still understand what you’re doing, you can sign a new POA or write a short revocation notice to end the old one.
What if I don’t have a POA and become incapacitated?
Your loved ones may need to ask a court for guardianship, an expensive, time‑consuming process that a simple POA or complete estate plan can prevent.
Is a POA enough to protect my family?
A POA is a great start, but a complete estate plan covers wills, trusts, guardianship choices, and more, so every detail is precise and family harmony stays intact.
Ready to Get Started?
Let Laura Bromlow help you create an estate plan or will that truly reflects your heart and protects your family. For caring, thoughtful guidance, contact us today at (281) 665-3807 or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation.
At Bromlow Law, your family’s peace of mind is our mission.