Shannon Pawley, The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm Owner, highlights the limitations of a will only plan when diagnosed with a progressive illness.

DECATUR, GA, July 29, 2025: Shannon Pawley, Owner of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm, has posted a new article on the law firm’s website entitled “Why a Will Isn’t Enough When Facing a Progressive Illness.” Ms. Pawley acknowledges that a will is part of a comprehensive estate plan that only comes into effect after death.

Pawley writes, “When diagnosed with a progressive illness, the real mystery lies in the rate at which the illness may progress. Whether you are diagnosed with cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, or any other progressive illness,” Pawley states, “if you haven’t already created a comprehensive estate plan, this one action becomes more critical than ever before. If you have a will,” she adds, “which many people believe is enough to protect loved ones, I’ll reveal why that simply isn’t enough. If you still have mental capacity to make important decisions, I encourage you to read on and then, to act without delay.”

Pawley explains the limitations of a will, emphasizing that it “is a legal document that takes effect only after death.” She goes on to say, “a will does nothing to address your needs if you are still living and become mentally and/or physically incapacitated. The loss of mental capacity is highly likely with a progressive illness.”

As Pawley emphasizes, “If you become unable to make decisions, a will provides no authority for another person to step in and manage your finances, make decisions regarding your medical care, or handle daily needs.” She continues, “In such cases, families often must go through a time-consuming and costly court process to establish a guardianship or conservatorship. This legal hurdle can be emotionally draining and financially burdensome during an already challenging time.”

Pawley goes on to explain the benefits of trusts. She writes, “Creating a comprehensive estate plan, often including a revocable living trust or specialized irrevocable trust, provides for the ongoing management of your financial affairs during the remainder of life, and after death. These types of trusts offer flexibility, protection, and peace of mind, welcome qualities especially when managing a progressive illness,”

The entire article can be read here: Why a Will Isn’t Enough When Facing a Progressive Illness

About The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm

The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm was established to serve the legal needs of retiring citizens. The Firm focuses its entire practice on providing strategies to protect independence, privacy, assets and taxes from the government. Shannon Pawley has grown her law practice by providing excellent customer satisfaction with personalized wealth protection plans.

About Shannon M. Pawley, J.D., LL.M

Shannon is the Owner and CEO of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm. Originally from the Tidewater area of Virginia, she grew up in a close-knit family with a strong tradition of military service. She learned early on the importance of integrity, hard work, and giving back to her community. Her upbringing shaped her desire to make a positive impact and instilled a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that every individual is treated with respect and care.

Her passion for serving others took root during her junior year of high school, when she served as a U.S. House of Representatives Page during the 101st Congressional Session in Washington, D.C. This life-changing experience opened her eyes to the power of diverse perspectives and the importance of advocating for those whose voices are often unheard. Inspired by the experience, Shannon decided to pursue a career in law, dedicated to guiding others through life’s most challenging moments.

Shannon’s educational journey led her to North Carolina Wesleyan College, where she earned her undergraduate degree, followed by a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law. She then specialized further, obtaining an LL.M. in Taxation from Wayne State University. Licensed to practice in both Michigan and Georgia, Shannon is also a VA Accredited Attorney, making her a formidable advocate for her clients.

Throughout her career, Shannon has been a fierce champion for clients from all walks of life, representing everyone from international corporations to single parents. She has always been driven by a profound belief that everyone deserves to have their rights and wishes honored, especially when they are most vulnerable. Whether advocating in the courtroom or guiding families through complex legal decisions, Shannon’s mission is clear: to protect the dignity and independence of every client she serves.

Her passion for advocacy goes beyond legal representation—it’s about ensuring that people’s voices are heard, even when they may not be able to speak for themselves. Shannon is deeply committed to helping her clients age with dignity, grace, and independence, working tirelessly to prepare them and their families for the complexities of aging. Her work is more than a profession; it is a calling to serve, empower, and uplift every individual and family she has the privilege to represent.