When Terri Schiavo fell into a coma in 1990, she didn’t have a will or a designated durable power of attorney, this would start an agonizing 15-year-old court process between Terri’s husband and Terri’s family about whether to let her live (on life support) or die peacefully.

While Terri’s case is extreme, having a power of attorney can communicate your wishes and eliminate confusion later on regarding your health, wellness, and financial matters. It is kind of like insurance as it is better to have it in place beforehand and not ever need it than to be caught off guard.

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