When people think of estate planning, they often assume it’s something only older adults need to worry about. But the truth is, creating a power of attorney (POA) for both financial and medical decisions is one of the most important legal steps you can take, no matter your age.

Whether you’re 30 or 75, unexpected medical emergencies or life-altering accidents can leave you unable to make your own decisions. Without a POA in place, your loved ones may be left facing legal delays, stress, and confusion during a time when fast decisions matter most.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone you trust the authority to act on your behalf. In Michigan, there are two main types:

Financial Power of Attorney

Allows your chosen agent to handle tasks such as:

Paying bills
Managing bank accounts
Handling real estate or investments
Filing taxes

Medical Power of Attorney (also called Patient Advocate Designation)

Gives your agent the ability to make healthcare decisions for you if you become incapacitated. This can include:

Approving or refusing medical treatment
Choosing care providers or facilities
Following your end-of-life care preferences

Why It Matters at Any Age

Even young adults, especially those living independently, attending college, or traveling, can benefit from having powers of attorney in place. One client prepared a medical POA for her daughter solely because she knew her daughter would never want to remain on life support without hope of recovery. That decision gave the family peace of mind and clear guidance in a moment where it would have otherwise been emotionally overwhelming.

If no POA is in place, your family could face:

Lengthy court proceedings to establish guardianship or conservatorship
Disagreements over who should be in charge
Delays in medical decisions during a critical time

Avoiding Conflict and Protecting Your Wishes

Creating a POA isn’t just about convenience, it’s about control. Without it, the people closest to you might be unable to act in your best interests or follow your values. With it, you get to:

Choose who will advocate for you
Put your medical and financial preferences in writing
Spare your loved ones the burden of guessing what you would have wanted

What You Can Expect from Harris & Literski

Personalized guidance: We’ll help you understand which powers of attorney you need and how to choose the right agent.
Simple, efficient process: We handle the legal drafting and execution with care and clarity.
Future-focused planning: We explain how POAs fit into your broader estate plan so you’re covered at every stage of life.

Start the Conversation Now

Don’t wait for a crisis to make one of the most important legal decisions of your life. A power of attorney gives you peace of mind and ensures your loved ones can step in when you need them most.

Contact Harris & Literski today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in securing your future and protecting the people who matter most.

Why Everyone Should Have a Power of Attorney in Michigan