What Happens If You Are Alive but Unable to Manage Your Affairs?

Without planning

If no valid powers of attorney or directives exist and someone becomes incapacitated, loved ones may need to seek court appointment to manage finances or make medical decisions. Guardianship often means:

• Ongoing court supervision and reporting
• Limited decision-making authority
• Delays, cost, and stress for the family
• Reduced personal autonomy for the person in need

With coordinated planning

Advance planning lets you choose who acts, what they can do, and how they coordinate:

• Durable financial power of attorney to handle banking, bills, and property
• Healthcare proxy/advance directive to guide medical choices and name a decision maker
• Revocable trust to manage assets privately if the trustee needs to step in

When drafted and updated correctly, these documents allow smooth transitions without unnecessary court involvement.

Planning for the unexpected

Incapacity is not limited to later life; illness or injury can strike at any age. A clear plan:

• Keeps decision makers aligned with your values
• Provides continuity for family finances and care
• Reduces the risk of conflict or delay during emergencies

Steps to put protection in place

1. Execute durable financial and medical powers of attorney with named successors.
2. Consider a revocable trust and ensure key assets are titled to it.
3. Share the location of documents with trusted people and medical providers.
4. Review after major life changes or every few years to confirm choices still fit.

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This article is general information, not legal advice. For guidance on your situation, consult an Oklahoma estate planning attorney. To discuss next steps, call +1 918 221 9438 or schedule a consultation.