A will enables a testator (the person making a will) to make sure that his/her family and loved ones are provided for and all possessions or property will be distributed in accordance with his/her wishes. This document is not designed for a complex and large estate that raises special tax considerations. This document should be used only for a basic estate which is below the threshold for the payment of inheritance tax and where discretionary trusts and settlements are not required. It has been specifically designed for use by a married person.
Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney - Georgia
This form creates a HIPAA Authorization form, which enables certain trusted family and friends to have access to your medical records and health information when you are injured. These records are typically used to help prove whether you are capable to make health care and financial decisions on your own, and therefore could activate a Health Care Power of Attorney or a Durable Power of Attorney which you signed when healthy.
A Power of Attorney is a legal document where one party (the Principal) authorizes another party (the Agent or the Attorney-in-fact) to act on his or her behalf during an absence. This authority can specifically include or exclude several areas of interest, including matters of physical property, real estate, banking, insurance, tax matters, etc.
Traditionally, this authority ends when you become medically incapacitated. However, you have the option to make the Power of Attorney (1) "Durable" which means it will remain effective from the time of signing the document and if you become medically incapacitated; or (2) "Springing" which means it will only be effective upon you becoming medically incapacitated.
