Complete Guide to Estate Planning and Probate in Altamont
Planning for the future and managing an estate after a loved one passes can feel overwhelming, especially in a small community like Altamont. At Jay Johnson Law Firm we help people in Grundy County understand their options for wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate administration. This guide walks through common steps, local considerations under Tennessee law, and how to make informed choices that protect your family and property. We aim to clarify terminology and process so you can make decisions with confidence rather than uncertainty, and to reduce the stress that often accompanies end-of-life planning and estate settlement.
Many residents of Altamont seek clear, practical information about preparing documents and handling estate matters in a way that reflects their wishes and supports family needs. Whether you are beginning to draft a will, considering a trust, preparing powers of attorney and health care directives, or facing probate administration, understanding the steps in plain language helps avoid costly delays. This guide explains common scenarios, timelines, and what to expect from a law firm handling estate planning and probate matters in Tennessee, focusing on accessibility, responsiveness, and solutions tailored to local circumstances.
Why Estate Planning and Probate Matter in Altamont
A careful estate plan provides legal clarity and practical direction for your family, which can prevent family disputes and ease the transfer of property after death. Effective planning addresses tax considerations, asset distribution, guardianship for minor children, and instructions for healthcare decisions in case of incapacity. Probate administration guides loved ones through the legal process required to settle a decedent’s affairs, pay debts, and transfer assets according to state law or a valid will. For Altamont residents, thoughtful preparation reduces court involvement and helps ensure that local property and personal items are handled consistent with your wishes.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves clients throughout Grundy County and surrounding areas with practical legal help in estate planning and probate matters. Our team focuses on clear communication, careful document preparation, and steady guidance through estate administration. We work directly with clients to understand family dynamics, property holdings, and long term goals, and then prepare tailored documents to protect those interests. In probate matters we assist with filings, creditor notices, and distribution tasks, keeping families informed at each step so they can focus on recovery and personal matters rather than legal details.
Understanding Estate Planning and Probate Services
Estate planning encompasses a range of documents and decisions that shape how assets are managed and distributed, and how medical and financial decisions are handled if you cannot act for yourself. Key elements often include a last will and testament, trusts to manage assets during life and after death, durable powers of attorney for finances, and healthcare directives for medical wishes. Choosing the right combination depends on family circumstances, asset types, and goals for avoiding probate. In Tennessee, certain legal formalities must be followed for documents to be valid, so local legal guidance helps ensure plans meet state requirements and reflect intended outcomes.
Probate is the process the court uses to validate a will, settle debts, and distribute remaining assets when someone dies. Not all estates require the same level of court involvement; size of the estate, presence of a valid will, and how assets are titled influence what is needed. In many cases, probate administration requires gathering assets, notifying creditors, filing inventories, and ultimately distributing property to heirs or beneficiaries. Understanding both planning tools and probate pathways helps Altamont residents choose strategies that reduce delay, lower potential costs, and provide peace of mind for surviving family members.
Defining Key Estate Planning and Probate Concepts
Clear definitions help when navigating estate matters. A will states how you want assets distributed and who will act as personal representative to handle the estate. Trusts hold assets under terms you set and can provide ongoing management or privacy while avoiding some probate steps. A durable power of attorney designates someone to manage finances if you cannot, and an advance healthcare directive records medical wishes. Probate is the court-supervised process that validates wills and oversees distribution. Knowing these definitions helps families identify which documents they need and when to take action to protect their interests.
Key Elements and Typical Processes in Estate Plans
An effective estate plan often integrates multiple documents and practical steps. Typical elements include asset inventories, beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and insurance policies, a will or trust, and powers of attorney. The planning process begins with reviewing assets and family goals, identifying potential tax or creditor exposures, and drafting documents to reflect chosen outcomes. For probate administration the process includes filing the death certificate, opening the estate with the court, identifying and securing assets, addressing creditor claims, and distributing remaining property in accordance with the will or state law. Regular reviews keep plans current with life changes.
Glossary of Important Estate Planning and Probate Terms
This glossary explains terms you will encounter when planning or administering an estate in Tennessee. Understanding these entries reduces confusion and supports clearer conversations with family and attorneys. Each term below is presented with a concise definition and practical notes about how it applies in local situations. Familiarity with these concepts helps you make informed selections of documents and anticipate steps in probate proceedings, including timelines, required filings, and responsibilities of the person charged with managing the estate.
Will
A will is a legal document that sets out how you want your assets distributed after your death and names a personal representative to handle the estate. In Tennessee a will must meet formal signing and witnessing requirements to be valid. A will can also name guardians for minor children and provide direction about funeral arrangements. Assets held jointly or with designated beneficiaries may pass outside the will, so it is important to review titles and beneficiary designations together with the will to ensure your overall plan produces the intended results for heirs and beneficiaries.
Trust
A trust is a legal arrangement where assets are held for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries under terms you establish. Trusts can be useful to manage property during incapacity, provide ongoing distributions after death, and reduce court involvement in asset transfers. Some trusts are revocable and allow changes during the settlor’s life, while others are irrevocable and provide stronger protection for certain assets. The choice of trust type depends on family goals, tax considerations, and the desired level of control over how and when beneficiaries receive assets.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a document that appoints someone to manage your financial affairs if you cannot do so yourself. A durable power of attorney remains effective if you become incapacitated and can cover banking, bill payments, real estate transactions, and other financial responsibilities. Selecting a trusted agent and providing clear guidance about the scope of authority helps avoid confusion and conflict. It is also important to ensure the document meets Tennessee legal formalities so that banks and other institutions will accept it when the appointed agent must act on your behalf.
Probate
Probate is the court process for validating a will, settling debts, and distributing assets to heirs or beneficiaries when someone dies. The process includes filing the necessary court papers, notifying creditors, inventorying assets, and ultimately distributing property according to the will or state intestacy rules if no valid will exists. Probate timelines and steps vary based on estate complexity and creditor claims. In some cases, planning strategies such as trusts, beneficiary designations, or joint ownership can reduce the need for formal probate, streamlining transfer of certain assets to loved ones.
Comparing Estate Planning Options and Probate Alternatives
Choosing the right approach involves comparing wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, and property titling methods. Wills are straightforward for many people and clearly set heirs and a personal representative, but they may require probate in court. Trusts can provide ongoing management and privacy while reducing court involvement for assets placed in the trust. Designating beneficiaries on retirement accounts and insurance policies allows those assets to transfer directly outside probate. Joint ownership with rights of survivorship transfers property automatically but may have tax or control implications. Each option has tradeoffs, and a tailored approach often combines tools to meet family goals.
When a Simple Plan May Be Appropriate:
Small Estates with Clear Beneficiaries
A limited approach may be appropriate when assets are modest and beneficiaries are straightforward, reducing the need for complex arrangements. If most assets transfer outside probate through beneficiary designations or joint ownership, a simple will combined with powers of attorney and a health care directive often provides adequate protection. This approach can be efficient and cost effective for many Altamont families, while still documenting wishes and naming responsible persons to manage affairs. Regular review ensures that beneficiary designations and account titling continue to reflect current intentions and family circumstances.
Families with Minimal Tax Concerns
When federal or state tax exposure is unlikely and assets are primarily simple accounts and personal property, a limited plan may meet family needs without creating unnecessary complexity. For individuals whose assets are below estate tax thresholds and who seek straightforward distribution to immediate family members, preparing a will and basic powers of attorney can streamline planning. That said, occasional attention to beneficiary designations and retirement accounts is important to avoid unintended results, and families should confirm that the chosen approach aligns with their long term goals and potential future changes.
When a Comprehensive Estate Plan Is Advisable:
Complex Assets or Blended Families
Comprehensive planning is often beneficial for those with multiple properties, blended family situations, business interests, or special needs beneficiaries where tailored provisions help avoid conflict and meet long term needs. Trusts can provide structured distributions, protect assets from mismanagement, and address unique family dynamics. When real estate, retirement plans, and investment accounts are combined with specific wishes about legacy or care for loved ones, a coordinated plan reduces ambiguity and supports smoother administration. Detailed planning can also clarify responsibilities and reduce the risk of disputes after a death.
Anticipated Probate Complications
If an estate is likely to face creditor claims, contested beneficiary disputes, or significant tax or administrative burdens, comprehensive planning helps manage those risks proactively. Properly structured documents and asset titling can limit court intervention and streamline transfers, while trusts and other arrangements can preserve privacy and continuity for beneficiaries. When potential conflicts exist among heirs or when timely distribution is important, an integrated plan can reduce delay and expense by clarifying roles, establishing clear directions, and minimizing areas of disagreement during probate or settlement.
Benefits of a Coordinated Estate Planning Approach
A coordinated plan aligns documents, beneficiary designations, and property ownership to achieve desired outcomes with less uncertainty. By combining wills, trusts, and powers of attorney thoughtfully, families can ensure that assets pass according to wishes while addressing care during incapacity. Comprehensive planning also often reduces the administrative burden on loved ones by minimizing court involvement, clarifying responsibilities, and arranging for efficient handling of financial and medical decisions. This approach can help preserve family relationships by reducing ambiguity and setting clear expectations about distributions and care.
Additionally, a comprehensive plan allows for proactive handling of potential creditor claims, tax considerations, and special beneficiary needs. While no plan can eliminate all uncertainty, integrating planning tools reduces the chance of unintended outcomes and makes the probate or settlement process more predictable. Regularly reviewing the plan ensures it keeps pace with life changes such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, or significant asset changes. Altamont families who take a coordinated approach typically find the transition smoother for those left to manage the estate.
Greater Control Over Asset Distribution
Comprehensive planning gives you the ability to specify how and when beneficiaries receive assets, whether through immediate distribution, staged payments, or ongoing management via a trust. This control helps ensure that sensitive or valuable assets are preserved according to your intentions and that beneficiaries receive support in a manner consistent with your goals. Structured distribution mechanisms can protect younger or vulnerable beneficiaries and provide continuity for family-owned property or business interests. Clear instructions also reduce ambiguity and the potential for disputes during estate settlement.
Reduced Administrative Burden for Loved Ones
A thoughtfully prepared plan reduces the tasks that fall to family members after a death by clarifying roles, streamlining asset transfers, and minimizing court and administrative requirements. When documents are coordinated and assets are properly titled or held in trust, the personal representative’s job is more straightforward, with clearer steps to follow for creditor notices, inventories, and distributions. This practical benefit saves time and stress, allowing family members to focus on grieving and recovery rather than becoming mired in legal and financial details during a difficult period.
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Practical Tips for Estate Planning and Probate
Keep beneficiary designations current
Review and update beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, and other payable-on-death accounts regularly to ensure they reflect current intentions. Outdated beneficiary designations can override provisions in a will and create results that differ from your wishes. Periodic review after life events such as marriage, divorce, birth, or major financial changes helps prevent confusion during probate or asset transfer. Keeping a clear record of account information and beneficiary forms in an accessible place also assists loved ones and the personal representative when it is time to wind down affairs.
Coordinate documents and asset titles
Document your wishes and communicate them
Beyond legal documents, consider documenting your wishes about funeral arrangements, sentimental items, and family expectations to reduce conflict after you are gone. Clear, calm conversations with intended beneficiaries and the person you appoint to manage your affairs help avoid surprises and misunderstandings. While not all wishes carry legal weight, written notes and candid discussions guide family members and make it easier for them to follow your intentions. This preparation also helps the person in charge feel ready and supported when they must carry out their responsibilities.
Reasons to Begin Estate Planning Now
Starting an estate plan now protects your family’s future and provides clarity about your wishes, reducing stress during difficult times. Even younger individuals can benefit from basic documents such as powers of attorney and healthcare directives to prepare for unexpected incapacity. For property owners and those with dependents, timely planning ensures that assets pass in an orderly manner and that guardianship and care arrangements are set. Addressing these matters early can prevent costly and time-consuming probate complications and help ensure that health and financial decisions are handled by people you trust.
Estate planning is also important when assets grow, family situations change, or when someone inherits significant property or retirement accounts. Updating plans after marriage, divorce, childbirth, or major financial changes maintains alignment between your documents and your life. For Altamont residents, local property and familial contexts mean that state law and community practices influence the best approach. Proactive planning provides continuity for business owners and property holders, supports orderly asset distribution, and reduces the possibility of disputes that can drain family resources and time.
Common Situations That Lead People to Seek Planning and Probate Help
People commonly seek estate planning when major life events occur, such as marriage, the birth of a child, divorce, retirement, or acquisition of significant property. Others need help when a family member dies and an estate must be administered through probate, or when someone becomes incapacitated and decision-making authority must be transferred. Business owners, property holders, and those with blended families often require more detailed arrangements to clarify ownership and distribution. Whatever the situation, addressing planning needs early reduces uncertainty and helps families handle transitions with greater confidence and less conflict.
After a Birth or Adoption
The arrival of a child often prompts parents to update or create estate planning documents to ensure guardianship and financial support are addressed. Naming a guardian in a will provides legal guidance for the child’s care if both parents die, and setting up trusts can manage assets over time for the child’s benefit. Powers of attorney and healthcare directives also protect parents in case of unexpected incapacity. Taking these steps safeguards the child’s future and reduces uncertainty for relatives who may be asked to assume caregiving responsibilities.
When a Loved One Dies
The death of a family member often brings the need to open probate, identify assets, pay debts, and distribute property. Families frequently contact a law firm for assistance with filings, timelines, and creditor notices required under Tennessee rules. Handling these tasks can be time consuming and unfamiliar; legal help reduces the risk of missed deadlines or incomplete filings that could delay distribution. When estates are contested or when no will exists, the probate pathway becomes more complex and careful management is beneficial to resolve claims and finalize affairs.
Planning for Incapacity
Planning for possible incapacity ensures someone you trust can manage finances and make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. Durable powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and HIPAA releases provide legal authority and guidance for decision makers. Preparing these documents in advance reduces the need for court intervention and helps ensure medical and financial choices reflect your values. Clear instructions also provide peace of mind for family members who might otherwise face uncertainty about how to proceed in difficult situations.
Local Estate Planning and Probate Assistance in Altamont
Jay Johnson Law Firm offers personalized support for Altamont and Grundy County residents who need help creating estate plans or administering estates through probate. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, practical solutions, and timely action so families understand what to expect at each stage. We assist with drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives, and provide hands-on help with probate filings and estate administration. Local knowledge of Tennessee rules and county procedures helps streamline processes and avoid avoidable delays for clients and their families.
Why Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for Your Estate Matters
Choosing a law firm for estate planning and probate matters means selecting a team that listens and responds to your situation with thoughtful solutions. Jay Johnson Law Firm prioritizes direct communication and practical planning that reflects your family’s goals, whether the objective is simple asset transfer, ongoing trust management, or careful probate administration. We focus on preparing clear documents and explaining choices so you and your loved ones know how decisions will be carried out under Tennessee law and local procedures in Grundy County.
Our services include a thorough review of assets, beneficiary designations, and current documents to identify gaps or conflicts, followed by drafting and implementing a coordinated plan. For probate matters we handle filings, notices, inventory preparation, and distributions to bring the estate to a timely conclusion. We work to ease administrative burdens for families and keep them informed throughout the process, helping to avoid unexpected hurdles and reduce stress during a challenging time.
Accessibility and responsiveness are central to our client care philosophy. We make ourselves available for questions, explain legal requirements in plain language, and provide practical recommendations suited to your situation. Whether you need a basic will, a trust-based plan, or assistance navigating probate, our team aims to make the process as clear and manageable as possible so you can focus on what matters most to your family.
Contact Jay Johnson Law Firm in Altamont to Discuss Your Plan
How the Legal Process Works with Our Firm
Our process begins with an initial consultation to understand your family situation, assets, and objectives. We review existing documents and titles, identify issues that need attention, and recommend a plan of action that aligns with Tennessee law and your goals. After you approve a course of action we prepare the necessary documents, explain how to sign and store them, and outline next steps for implementation. For probate matters we provide a clear timeline of filings and responsibilities so personal representatives know what to expect and when to act.
Step One: Initial Review and Plan Design
The first step involves gathering information about assets, beneficiary designations, family relationships, and any existing documents to determine what is needed. We discuss your goals for asset distribution, care of minor children, and management during incapacity to shape an appropriate plan. This stage also identifies any immediate tasks, such as updating beneficiary designations or retitling property. By understanding the full picture we create a cohesive plan that coordinates wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health directives to meet those objectives.
Information Gathering and Document Review
Collecting complete information about accounts, deeds, retirement plans, and existing legal documents is vital to avoid surprises and ensure proper coordination. We help clients take inventory of assets and beneficiary designations, and review prior wills or trust documents to see what should be updated or replaced. This thorough review prevents conflicting instructions and ensures transfer pathways work as intended. Early identification of potential issues allows us to propose solutions that align titles and documents with your overall estate plan.
Planning Recommendations and Next Steps
After review we provide clear recommendations about which documents to prepare or modify and how to title assets for intended outcomes. This includes discussing the pros and cons of wills versus trusts, beneficiary coordination, and powers of attorney tailored to your circumstances. We explain timelines, estimated costs, and signing requirements so you can decide with confidence. Once a plan is agreed upon we schedule execution and provide guidance on safe storage and distribution of final documents to appropriate parties.
Step Two: Document Preparation and Execution
In this stage we draft the chosen documents with careful attention to legal formalities and your expressed intentions. Documents typically include wills, trust agreements, durable powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives where appropriate. We prepare clear execution instructions, arrange signing in accordance with Tennessee requirements, and explain the role of witnesses or notaries when needed. Proper execution ensures your documents will be accepted when they must be used and reduces the likelihood of disputes or invalidation during probate.
Drafting Tailored Documents
Documents are drafted to reflect your goals precisely, addressing asset distribution, agent authorities, and terms for trust management if applicable. We draft language that is both legally effective and clear to reduce ambiguity for those who will implement your wishes. Attention to detail in definitions, successor appointments, and contingencies helps ensure a smooth transition if the documents must be used. We will review drafts with you and make any revisions necessary to confirm they align with your intentions before final signing.
Execution and Document Management
Once finalized, we oversee proper signing procedures and provide guidance on distributing originals and storing copies. We recommend where to file or store documents for accessibility and safety and advise on notifying key individuals about the plan and their roles. This step also includes updating account beneficiary designations and retitling property when necessary. Clear management of executed documents helps ensure your plan functions as intended and allows those who must act on your behalf to locate the necessary paperwork quickly.
Step Three: Probate Administration and Ongoing Plan Maintenance
For estates that go through probate we assist the personal representative with opening the estate, filing required notices, inventorying assets, addressing creditor claims, and making distributions in accordance with the will or state law. For living clients we advise periodic reviews to update plans after major life changes and to confirm beneficiary designations remain current. Ongoing maintenance preserves the integrity of the plan and ensures that documents continue to reflect your wishes over time.
Probate Filings and Estate Management
During probate the personal representative has specific duties, including notifying creditors, filing inventories, and preparing accountings if required. We guide clients through each filing, explain required notices, and assist with asset valuation and creditor resolution. Our goal is to move the estate through administration efficiently while complying with Tennessee rules and minimizing unnecessary expenses. Clear communication with heirs and beneficiaries during this stage helps manage expectations and reduce friction during distribution.
Periodic Review and Plan Updates
After documents are in place, regular reviews help ensure the plan remains aligned with changing circumstances such as marriage, divorce, new children, or changes in assets. We recommend periodic check-ins to verify beneficiary designations, retitling needs, and whether trust terms still meet long term goals. Updating documents as life evolves prevents unintended outcomes and maintains the smooth operation of your estate plan. Proactive maintenance is a practical step that reduces surprises and keeps plans current for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning and Probate in Altamont
What documents should every adult have in place?
Every adult should consider a few basic documents to prepare for unexpected events. Key documents include a last will and testament to direct asset distribution, a durable power of attorney to designate someone to manage financial affairs if you cannot, and an advance healthcare directive to record medical wishes. These documents work together to provide clarity for both health and financial decision making and reduce the need for court action. In addition to the core documents, review account beneficiary designations and the titling of real property to ensure they align with your intentions. Periodic reviews and updates after major life events help avoid unintended outcomes and ensure that the people you trust are authorized to act on your behalf.
Do I need a trust or is a will enough?
A will is often sufficient for many people with straightforward assets and who do not mind a probate process. It names a personal representative and distributes property according to your wishes, but assets passing through a will generally go through probate, which involves court filings and public records. A trust may be preferable when you want to avoid probate, preserve privacy, or provide ongoing management for beneficiaries, such as minors or those who may need financial oversight. Trusts can also help with continuity if incapacity is a concern. The choice depends on asset complexity, family circumstances, and goals for distribution and management.
How does probate work in Tennessee?
Probate in Tennessee begins by filing the will and petitioning the court to open the estate, if required. The estate must inventory assets, notify creditors, and address valid claims, after which the court authorizes distribution of remaining property to beneficiaries named in the will or to heirs under state law if no will exists. Probate timelines vary with estate complexity and creditor issues. In some instances, planning tools like trusts or beneficiary designations can reduce court involvement. Working with a law firm familiar with local procedures and Tennessee rules can streamline filings and help the personal representative fulfill duties efficiently.
How do I choose someone to manage my estate?
Selecting someone to manage your estate should focus on trustworthiness, availability, organizational ability, and willingness to take on the responsibilities involved. The chosen person will handle filings, coordinate with institutions, and distribute assets according to your documents, so clear communication and an understanding of the role are important. Consider naming successor representatives in case your primary choice cannot serve. Discuss your wishes and provide access to important documents so the appointed person can act promptly when needed. Professional fiduciaries can also serve if no suitable family member or friend is available.
Can beneficiary designations override a will?
Yes, beneficiary designations on accounts like retirement plans and life insurance typically bypass the probate process and will pass directly to the named beneficiary, regardless of what a will states. This is why it is important to ensure beneficiary forms are up to date and reflect your current intentions. Coordinating beneficiary designations with your will and trust is a key step in estate planning. Reviewing these designations regularly and after life changes prevents conflicts between accounts and testamentary documents and helps ensure assets transfer as you intended.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Tennessee?
When someone dies without a valid will in Tennessee, their property is distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws, which prioritize certain relatives such as spouses, children, parents, or siblings depending on the family structure. The court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate and distribute assets according to statutory rules rather than the decedent’s personal wishes. Dying intestate can lead to unintended distributions and family disputes, so creating even a simple will helps ensure that assets go to the people you choose. Proper planning also designates someone to manage the estate and sets direction for guardianship of minor children.
How long does probate typically take?
Probate length depends on estate size, complexity, creditor claims, and whether the estate is contested. Simple, uncontested estates with minimal debts may be resolved in a matter of months, while estates involving disputes, complex assets, or significant creditor claims can take longer. Courts also require certain notice periods and other procedural steps that affect timelines. Effective planning can shorten or simplify the probate process, particularly when assets are arranged to pass outside probate through trusts or beneficiary designations. Clear documentation and early work on estate matters make administration smoother for appointed representatives.
Will my estate have to go to court for small assets?
Small estates in Tennessee may qualify for simplified procedures that reduce or avoid formal probate depending on asset types and total value. Some personal property and bank accounts can be transferred using small estate affidavits or other streamlined methods designed for estates below certain thresholds. However, the applicability of simplified procedures depends on local rules and asset titling. Reviewing your estate with a law firm helps determine whether your situation qualifies for a simplified path and ensures the correct steps are taken to transfer property efficiently and lawfully.
How do I update my estate plan after major life changes?
After major life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in assets, updating your estate plan is important to reflect new circumstances. Review beneficiary designations, retitle property if needed, and revise wills or trusts to match updated goals and relationships. Regular reviews also reveal changes needed due to evolving laws or family circumstances. Scheduling a periodic check with a law firm helps ensure documents remain effective and aligned with your intentions, reducing the chance of unintended results when documents are eventually used.
How can I ensure my wishes are followed for medical decisions?
To ensure your medical wishes are followed, prepare an advance healthcare directive and a durable healthcare power of attorney that names someone to speak for you if you cannot. These documents should clearly state your preferences for life-sustaining treatment, comfort care, and the level of intervention you desire, and must meet Tennessee signing requirements. Discuss your wishes with the person you appoint and provide copies to your healthcare providers and family members. Keeping these documents accessible and reviewing them periodically helps ensure medical decisions reflect your values and that the appointed agent understands how to act on your behalf.