Estate planning isn't just about what happens when you die—it's also about what happens if you can't speak for yourself while you're alive.

Whether you're temporarily hospitalized or permanently incapacitated, your loved ones need clear legal authority to act on your behalf. That's where powers of attorney and health care directives come in.

At Barina Law Group, we help individuals and families in Temple and across Central Texas make sure that someone they trust is legally empowered to act when it matters most.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives another person (called your “agent”) the right to make decisions for you if you're unable to do so.

Two Primary Types:

1. Durable Financial Power of Attorney

This allows your chosen agent to:

• Pay your bills
• Access bank and retirement accounts
• Handle real estate and investments
• Manage business or legal affairs

✅ Essential if you become ill, injured, or mentally incapacitated

1. Medical Power of Attorney

Allows someone to make health care decisions for you when you can't, including:

• Approving or declining procedures
• Choosing care facilities
• Deciding treatment plans in consultation with your doctors

What Is an Advance Directive (Living Will)?

This document tells doctors your wishes in advance about life-sustaining treatment—such as feeding tubes, ventilators, or resuscitation—if you're terminally ill or in a vegetative state.

✅ It relieves family members from making agonizing decisions under pressure
✅ It gives you control over how you're treated when your voice can't be heard

Why These Documents Are Vital

Without them:

• Your family may have to go to court to get permission to help you
• Hospitals may deny access to medical information due to HIPAA rules
• Financial institutions may freeze your accounts
• Medical decisions may fall to people you wouldn't choose

With them:
✅ You stay in control
✅ You avoid costly court proceedings (guardianship/conservatorship)
✅ You relieve your loved ones from confusion or conflict

How We Help at Barina Law Group

We create simple, Texas-compliant documents that give you full protection:

• Durable POA
• Medical POA
• HIPAA Authorization
• Advance Directive (Living Will)
• Declaration of Guardian (if needed)

We explain everything in plain language and ensure your documents reflect your personal values and goals.

Who Should Have These Documents?

✅ Anyone over age 18
✅ College students
✅ Newlyweds
✅ Parents
✅ Retirees
✅ Seniors entering long-term care

Planning for incapacity is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family.

📞 Call to Action

Don't leave your family guessing. Let's get your protection in place.

📞 Call (254) 699-3755
🌐 Visit www.bobbybarinalaw.com
📍 Barina Law Group – Temple, TX