When most people think about estate planning, they immediately imagine wills, trusts, and decisions about property distribution. While these documents are essential, a truly complete estate plan must also address something equally important: who will manage your affairs if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.

This is where a Power of Attorney (POA) becomes one of the most valuable tools in your estate planning strategy. At ARC Legal Services, LLCAttorney Arzoo Connor helps individuals and families in Fort Worth understand why a Power of Attorney is essential—no matter your age, health, or financial situation.

Why Powers of Attorney Matter in Estate Planning

Estate planning is not only about what happens after you pass away. It also prepares you for life’s unexpected moments. A Power of Attorney ensures that someone you trust can make important decisions during your lifetime if you cannot speak or act for yourself.

Without a POA, your loved ones may face:

• Court delays
• Costly guardianship proceedings
• Confusion about who has legal authority
• Stress during an already difficult time

By putting a Power of Attorney in place, you provide clarity, stability, and peace of mind—for yourself and your family.

Two Essential Powers of Attorney in a Texas Estate Plan

In Texas, there are two primary types of Power of Attorney documents that work together to protect your future:

1. Medical (Healthcare) Power of Attorney

A Medical Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you become incapacitated due to illness or injury.

Your chosen agent may need to make decisions about:

• Medical treatment
• Hospitalization or surgery
• Long-term care
• End-of-life planning
• Medications and procedures

This document ensures that your healthcare choices are respected, even if you cannot communicate them yourself.

2. Durable Power of Attorney for Finances

A Durable Power of Attorney gives your trusted agent legal authority to manage your personal and financial affairs, such as:

• Paying bills
• Managing bank accounts
• Handling investments
• Filing taxes
• Managing real estate
• Overseeing business operations

This prevents financial chaos and ensures your responsibilities are handled correctly while you focus on recovery or care.

How Powers of Attorney Protect Your Loved Ones

When someone becomes incapacitated without a Power of Attorney in place, families are often forced to file for guardianship, which:

• Requires court involvement
• Can take months
• Is expensive
• Limits your family's flexibility
• Places decisions in the hands of a judge

A properly executed POA avoids these complications and ensures that your chosen representative—not a court—makes decisions that align with your values and preferences.

How Powers of Attorney Work With Other Estate Planning Tools

A Power of Attorney is a key component of a comprehensive estate plan because it works seamlessly with your:

• Will – determines what happens after you pass away
• Trust – manages your assets during your lifetime and after death
• Advance Directive – outlines your wishes for end-of-life care
• Guardianship designations – names guardians for minor children

Together, these documents create a strong legal framework that protects your assets, health, and family.

When Should You Create or Update a Power of Attorney?

You should create or update your POA if you:

• Recently married or divorced
• Had a child
• Purchased a home
• Started or closed a business
• Received a medical diagnosis
• Moved to Texas from another state
• Haven’t updated your estate plan in several years

Life changes—your documents should, too.

Work With a Trusted Estate Planning Attorney in Fort Worth

Attorney Arzoo Connor takes time to understand your values, preferences, and long-term goals. She prepares customized Powers of Attorney that give you control over your future and security for your loved ones.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants clarity and protection during life’s unexpected moments.

Start Your Estate Plan With Confidence

Prepare for the future with the peace of mind you deserve.

Call ARC Legal Services, LLC at 469-848-4151 to schedule a consultation with a Powers of Attorney Attorney in Fort Worth, Texas.