Powers of Attorney & Living Wills

Powers of Attorney & Living Wills – Protect Your Voice in Westmoreland County

Learn how durable powers of attorney and living wills give you control if you’re incapacitated. Our Greensburg attorneys draft legally sound documents.

Protect Your Voice – Create Powers of Attorney & Living Wills in Greensburg

Accidents and illness can strike at any time. A well‑prepared estate plan includes advance directives—legal documents that appoint trusted decision‑makers and express your health care wishes when you cannot speak for yourself. Without these documents, your family may face costly court proceedings to obtain authority, and medical providers may defer to next of kin who may not know your values. At Ally Legal Services , we help clients in Westmoreland County craft durable powers of attorney and living wills that provide peace of mind.

Why Advance Directives Matter

Pennsylvania recognizes two primary types of advance directives: the durable power of attorney and the living will. A durable power of attorney allows you to designate someone to make medical or financial decisions if you become incapacitated. A living will, also known as a health care directive, sets out your preferences for life‑sustaining treatment if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious. Creating both documents ensures:

• Clarity during a crisis. Medical professionals know who is authorized to decide and what treatments you do or do not want.

• Reduced family conflict. When your wishes are documented, loved ones are less likely to argue over health care decisions.

• Avoidance of guardianship proceedings. Without a power of attorney, a court may need to appoint a guardian to make decisions for you.

By taking action now, you spare your family the stress of guessing what you would want and ensure decisions are made according to your values.

Understanding Powers of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) is a document that authorizes another person—called your agent—to act on your behalf. There are different types of POAs:

• Financial power of attorney. Grants your agent authority to manage bank accounts, pay bills, handle investments, file taxes and conduct real estate transactions.

• Health care power of attorney. Allows your agent to make medical decisions, choose doctors, consent to or refuse treatment, and coordinate care.

• Durable power of attorney. Remains effective even if you become incapacitated. This durability is vital for both financial and health care POAs.

• Limited or springing powers. These only take effect upon a specified event (such as your incapacity) or are limited to certain transactions.

We draft POAs that comply with Pennsylvania law, explain the responsibilities of the agent, and ensure the document is properly witnessed and notarized so banks and hospitals will honor it.

Living Wills & Health Care Directives

A living will, sometimes called a health care directive, complements your health care power of attorney. While a power of attorney appoints a decision‑maker, a living will describes your wishes regarding treatments like ventilators, tube feeding, CPR and pain management if you are unable to make decisions and meet specific medical conditions. It may address:

• Whether you want artificial nutrition or hydration when recovery is unlikely.

• Your preferences about resuscitation, mechanical ventilation and dialysis.

• The use of comfort care and palliative care.

• Organ donation preferences.

We will discuss your values and faith beliefs to create a living will that reflects your personal wishes. You can update or revoke it at any time while you have capacity.

Our Approach to Advance Directives

At Ally Legal Services, we believe preparation equals empowerment. Our process includes:

1. Discussion and education. We explain the differences between financial and health care POAs, the scope of authority granted, and how to choose a reliable agent.

2. Customized drafting. Your documents are tailored to your needs, whether you want broad authority or specific limitations. We ensure they comply with Pennsylvania statutes and are immediately effective or springing, depending on your preference.

3. Coordination with your loved ones and providers. We encourage you to share copies with your agent, doctors and hospital so everyone knows who is in charge and can easily access the document.

4. Review and updates. Life changes over time. We recommend revisiting your directives every few years or if your relationships change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Powers of Attorney & Living Wills

Question: Do I need both a power of attorney and a living will? 

• Answer: Yes. A power of attorney appoints someone to make decisions, while a living will expresses your treatment preferences. Having both provides clear guidance and authority.

Question: When does a power of attorney take effect? 

• Answer: A durable POA typically becomes effective immediately upon signing. You can choose to make it “springing,” meaning it only takes effect upon your incapacity. Banks often prefer immediate POAs, so we discuss the pros and cons.

Question: Can my agent abuse a power of attorney? 

• Answer: Agents are fiduciaries obligated to act in your best interest. You can impose limits and require periodic accounting. Selecting a trustworthy agent and naming alternates reduces the risk of abuse.

Question: What happens if I don’t have a power of attorney? 

• Answer: If you become incapacitated without a POA, your family may need to petition the court for guardianship, which is time‑consuming and expensive. A properly drafted POA avoids this.

Question: Can I change or revoke my advance directives? 

• Answer: Yes. As long as you have capacity, you can revoke or revise your documents at any time by notifying your agent and health care providers.

Take Control of Your Future – Speak With Our Estate Planning Attorneys

Ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. Our Greensburg‑based attorneys will draft your powers of attorney and living will, answer your questions and empower you to make informed decisions.

Next Steps & Related Resources

Take the next step toward a complete estate plan:

• Wills & Trusts in Westmoreland County – Find out how wills and trusts complement advance directives.

• Guardianship & Special Needs Planning – Learn when a guardian may be needed and explore alternatives.

• Estate Administration & Probate – Understand how your decisions today can simplify probate later.

• Business Succession Planning – Protect your company if you become incapacitated.

• Estate Planning Overview – See how all these services fit together.

Let your wishes lead the way.