You’re Not Too Young for This: Why You Need a Power of Attorney

Let’s clear something up: advance directives aren’t just for older folks or people at the end of life. I get asked about these all the time, and it’s usually framed as something that can wait. Until it can’t. The reality is, these documents matter before anything goes wrong, not just when things are already bad.

“Advance directive” is kind of a catch-all term. It refers to legal paperwork that either spells out what you want in certain situations or gives someone else the authority to speak or act on your behalf if you’re unable to. The three big ones I tend to walk people through are the financial power of attorney, the healthcare power of attorney, and the living will. And they’re all worth having, no matter your age or health.

Let’s start with the financial power of attorney. This is what allows someone you trust to handle financial tasks for you. Anything from paying bills to managing accounts or signing important paperwork. You can make it effective right away or only if you become incapacitated. One client of mine had a daughter in college across the country when he was in a bike accident and rushed into emergency surgery. He wasn’t conscious, and she got the call while juggling finals and campus life. Because he’d set up a financial power of attorney, she could handle time-sensitive matters back home (e.g., rent, utilities, dealing with his insurance) all without needing to jump through hoops or go to court. It let her focus on helping her dad, instead of trying to prove to a bank that she had the right to step in.

It’s worth saying here, just because you’re married doesn’t automatically mean your spouse can make these decisions or sign things for you. Same goes for adult kids and parents. There’s a common assumption that these relationships come with legal authority, but they don’t. At least not without the right documents. A power of attorney makes it official. Without it, even people closest to you may find themselves completely shut out.

Now, let’s talk about the healthcare power of attorney. This one gives someone you choose the ability to make medical decisions for you if you’re not in a position to do so yourself. Unlike a living will, it doesn’t spell out exactly what should happen, it puts the decision-making power in the hands of someone you trust. In that same client’s case, his daughter was also listed as his healthcare agent. So when doctors needed consent for additional procedures, they didn’t have to wait or go to a judge. She could speak for him until he was well enough to speak for himself. It’s peace of mind for you and the people who love you.

And then there’s the living will. This one’s a bit heavier, because it only comes into play in very specific and very serious situations. When you’re unable to communicate and facing an irreversible, terminal condition. It lets you say ahead of time whether you want to be kept alive on machines like a ventilator, and under what conditions. These decisions aren’t easy, and no document can make them less emotional. But having your wishes clearly spelled out removes the guesswork for your family and medical team. It gives everyone a sense of clarity and a way to honor your choices, even when you’re no longer able to weigh in.

These aren’t theoretical examples. They’re situations that come up in real life, more often than people think. An accident, an unexpected illness, a moment where someone needs to speak for you. And without the right paperwork, your loved ones are stuck. A few decisions made now can spare them a world of confusion, delays, and emotional strain down the line.

If you’re reading this and realizing it might be time to get your ducks in a row, you’re not alone. And it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you want to talk through what makes sense for your situation, or just get a clearer picture of what these documents do, give me a call at 402-259-0059. I’m happy to walk you through it.