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) authorizes someone (your agent of Attorney-in-Fact) to make financial transactions on your behalf. You can tailor your Power of Attorney to give your representative broad or narrow power.
General Power of Attorney - gives extensive power to act on your behalf including: borrowing money, buying or selling real estate, and conducting bank transactions.
Limited Power of Attorney - gives narrow power to conduct a specific financial action at a specific time on your behalf.
HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY
A Health Care Power of Attorney gives a trusted person the ability to make medical decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated. This is different from a Living Will that outlines under what circumstances you want to receive life-sustaining procedures.
CHOOSING YOUR ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
The person who you name is called your Attorney-in-Fact or agent. It is very important to choose someone you trust deeply to act on your behalf. Think carefully before choosing the person you are entrusting with your money and/or your very life. Given the stakes, it is important to have a licensed attorney prepare your Power of Attorney.
If you are in need of a POA or have an older POA that may need updating,
LAST WILL AND TESTAMENTS
A Last Will and Testament (often simply called a Will) is a document that directs how your assets will be distributed upon your death. It also names the person who will be in charge of the distribution. This person is called the Executor. Without a will, the probate court will direct your estate to be divided among those entitled to receive under the laws of intestacy.
A Will can additionally protect minor children by naming a guardian for them.
Like powers-of-attorney, a will must be drafted precisely and contain elements required by statute. Only a qualified attorney, like Cathi Harrison, should write 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.