Shannon Pawley, The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm Owner, educates readers about the four most common mistakes people make that can render their long-term care plans useless.

DECATUR, GA, February 13, 2026: Shannon Pawley, Owner of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm, has posted a new article on the law firm’s website entitled “How To Identify and Fix The Most Common Gaps That Undermine Independence in Long-Term Care Plans.”  Ms. Pawley encourages readers to learn to identify the gaps in order to prevent them or fix them in current documents.

Pawley states, “Long-term care planning is a way to protect oneself if, and when you are no longer able to advocate for yourself due to an accident or illness.” She continues adding, “Unfortunately, many long-term plans are often poorly designed which can create the exact opposite effect: silencing personal wishes, creating confusion, and shifting control to systems or individuals who may not fully understand your values.” But Pawley has good news writing, “most of the gaps that undermine independence are common, identifiable, and fixable.” She emphasizes, “Working with an experienced estate planning attorney is important when creating a long-term care plan and is the best way to avoid the gaps. However, it is also important to be aware of the common gaps as you begin to work with an attorney.”

Pawley lists the four most frequent gaps which include, 1: Missing or Incomplete Legal Authority; 2: Unclear or Vague Directives; 3: Improper Agent Selection; and 4: Lack of Care Instruction Addendum. Additionally, Pawley provides the information needed to fix these common gaps.

The entire article can be read here:  How To Identify and Fix The Most Common Gaps That Undermine Independence in Long-Term Care Plans

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.