Shannon Pawley, The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm Owner, writes about the importance of choosing the right Power of Attorney (POA) for a loved one with a dementia diagnosis.

DECATUR, GA, April 30, 2026: Shannon Pawley, Owner of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm, has posted a new blog on the law firm’s website entitled “Choosing the Right Power of Attorney (POA) for a Loved One with Dementia.” Ms. Pawley urges action as early as possible after a diagnosis.

Pawley writes, “Dementia is on the rise around the world. According to a new study, the risk among Americans after age 55 is 42 percent which is more than double the risk reported by older studies.” She continues, “More and more families are being faced with caring for a loved one with dementia. Whether it be a parent, a spouse, a partner, a sibling or other relative, or a dear friend, one of the most important legal and emotional decisions a family can make as cognitive decline progresses is to name a trusted person to manage financial, medical, and legal matters.”

As Pawley points out, “Selecting the right Power of Attorney (POA) is not just about trust—it is about honoring intent and ensuring accountability.” She adds, “A designated agent has a legal duty of obedience, meaning they are required to follow the principal’s expressed instructions and wishes, even if the agent personally believes a different course of action may be ‘better’.”

The entire blog can be read here: Choosing the Right Power of Attorney (POA) for a Loved One with Dementia

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.