ESTATE PLANNING
POWERS-0F-ATTORNEY
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives someone you name authority to act on your behalf in certain circumstances.
THERE ARE TWO BASIC TYPES OF POWERS OF ATTORNEY
FINANCIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
A Financial Power of Attorney, also called a Legal Power of Attorney, lets you appoint someone to handle financial matters on your behalf. You can decide whether to give them broad authority or limit their power to specific tasks.
General Power of Attorney
A General Power of Attorney gives someone broad authority to act on your behalf. This can include things like borrowing money, buying or selling property, or managing bank accounts.
Limited Power of Attorney
A Limited Power of Attorney gives someone authority for a specific task at a specific time, such as completing a single financial transaction on your behalf.
HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY
A Health Care Power of Attorney lets you choose someone you trust to make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to do so yourself. This is not the same as a Living Will, which explains when you would or wouldn’t want life-support treatments.
CHOOSING YOUR ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
The person you choose is called your Attorney-in-Fact, or agent. It’s essential to pick someone you trust completely, since they may be making decisions about your money and even your health. Because so much is at stake, it’s best to have a licensed attorney prepare your Power of Attorney.
If you need a Power of Attorney or have an older one that may need updating, contact us today to ensure your documents are current and your wishes are fully protected.
LAST WILL AND TESTAMENTS
A Last Will and Testament, often called a Will, is a document that explains how your assets should be distributed after your death. It also names the person responsible for carrying out your wishes, called the Executor. If you don’t have a Will, the probate court will decide how your estate is divided according to state laws.
A Will can also protect minor children by naming a guardian to care for them.
Just like Powers of Attorney, a Will must be carefully drafted and include all elements required by law. Only a qualified attorney, such as Cathi Harrison, should prepare your Last Will and Testament.
Why I Offer In-Home and Hospital Visits
Estate planning is deeply personal, and I believe it should be accessible, comfortable, and respectful of each client’s circumstances. That’s why I offer in-home and hospital visits for those who may be facing medical challenges, mobility issues, or simply prefer the privacy and convenience of meeting in a familiar setting. Whether you're recovering from surgery, managing a long-term illness, or supporting a loved one in care, I bring compassionate, professional legal services directly to you — so your estate plan can be created with dignity, clarity, and peace of mind.
PROBATE
Probate is the legal process that takes place after someone passes away, and it’s something many families encounter during a difficult time. At its core, probate involves validating a will (if one exists), managing the deceased person’s assets and debts, and distributing what’s left to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries.
If you’re facing probate after the loss of a loved one, or you're planning ahead to make things easier for your family, working with an experienced attorney can make all the difference.
What Happens During Probate?
Here’s a general overview of what the probate process involves:
Filing the Will – The will is submitted to the probate court, where the judge will examine it to make sure it is valid.
Appointing a Personal Representative – Also known as an executor or administrator, this person is responsible for handling the estate.
Inventorying Assets – All property, bank accounts, investments, and other assets are identified and valued.
Paying Debts and Taxes – Any outstanding debts, final expenses, or taxes are paid from the estate.
Distributing Remaining Assets – What’s left is passed on to the beneficiaries, either as directed in the will or according to state law if there is no will.
Why Legal Help Matters
The probate process can be complex, time-consuming, and emotionally overwhelming — especially while you're grieving. Common challenges include:
Disputes between family members
Locating all assets
Handling creditor claims
Navigating state-specific probate laws
Cathi Harrison, an experienced probate attorney in Paducah, Kentucky, can help ensure the process is handled efficiently, avoid costly mistakes, and protect your rights throughout.
Can Probate Be Avoided?
In some cases, yes. Certain assets like jointly owned property, accounts with named beneficiaries, or assets held in a trust can bypass probate entirely. I can help you evaluate your estate plan and explore options to minimize the need for probate in the future.
Need help with probate?
Whether you’re managing an estate or planning ahead to protect your loved ones, Cathi Harrison is here to guide you through every step with clarity and care. Contact Sara Catherine Harrison, Attorney at Law, today to schedule a consultation.
QUESTIONS ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING OR PROBATE?
My mission is to provide clear, compassionate estate planning that helps individuals and families protect their legacy, make informed decisions, and find peace of mind—wherever they are in life.
Schedule a free consultation
Schedule a consultation today. Compassionate legal service where you need it. Whether you’re at home, in the hospital, or helping a loved one in need - we come to you.