Advance Directives and Powers of Attorney (POA) are legal documents used to plan for future incapacity by defining your preferences for medical care and designating someone to make decisions on your behalf. They ensure your wishes are followed regarding healthcare and financial matters if you become unable to communicate.

Probate and estate administration is the court-supervised legal process of settling a deceased person’s affairs, which includes validating their will, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. It ensures the legal transfer of property (real estate, accounts) when no trust exists and, if necessary, appoints an executor or administrator.

Wills and revocable trusts are essential estate planning documents used to manage and distribute assets, but they function differently regarding timing, probate, and privacy. A will takes effect only after death and goes through public probate, while a revocable trust becomes effective immediately, allows assets to bypass probate, and remains private.