Moments That Catch People Off Guard: When a Power of Attorney Is Needed Sooner Than Expected

I’ve received many calls over the years from families who didn’t realize they would need a Power of Attorney until a sudden hospitalization, an unexpected diagnosis, or a sudden change in someone’s health that shifted everything.

In moments like these, people were caught off guard as life moved faster than expected. One moment everything felt manageable, and the next, important decisions had to be quickly made.

What often catches families off guard is realizing that once someone can no longer communicate or make decisions for themselves, creating or updating a Power of Attorney may not be an option. By the time that becomes clear, options are often limited, emotions are high, and families can be left in a compromising position.

I’ve seen this happen often in hospital rooms, rehabilitation centers, and in homes where loved ones are stepping in to provide care. Everyone is focused on health and well-being -until they realize that important paperwork must be notarized to authorize proper care.

Understanding how a Power of Attorney works before it’s needed can make an incredibly difficult moment easier to navigate — and having one in place ahead of time can make all the difference. Many people are surprised to learn there are different types for medical and financial decision-making, and it helps to review what you have annually or whenever life changes.

These life moments aren’t always predictable, but having clarity ahead of time can make them easier to navigate.

If you’re unsure whether your documents are complete or up to date, you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute review to check for missing signatures, dates, or other basic information. Please note: this review does not include legal advice and is limited to a notary document check for completeness only; for legal guidance or document preparation, it’s always best to consult a qualified estate planning attorney. For those who prefer to start on their own, you can also receive a Free Estate Planning Starter Checklist to help you understand what documents are typically part of an estate plan by providing your email — or schedule your free document review.