Incapacity Planning
How trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and HIPAA coordination work together when someone cannot manage their own affairs.
← Back to Learning CenterIncapacity is a planning priority
Illness or injury can leave someone unable to pay bills, manage investments, or make healthcare decisions—sometimes for years before death.
If only death-focused documents exist, families may need court involvement to access accounts or make routine decisions.
Trusts and successor trustees
A revocable trust typically names a successor trustee to manage trust property if you become incapacitated.
Clear trust terms define when the successor steps in and what authority they have—subject to your participating attorney’s review.
Financial POA, healthcare POA, and HIPAA
A durable financial power of attorney authorizes an agent to handle non-trust assets and day-to-day finances.
A healthcare power of attorney (or healthcare proxy) names someone to make medical decisions if you cannot. HIPAA authorizations allow doctors to share information with trusted helpers.
Ready to begin?
When you are ready, start your Trust Questionnaire in the Client Portal. PECA guides you through preparation, attorney review, and secure delivery of your Trust Package.