Shannon Pawley, The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm Owner, helps readers make the best of one of life’s most challenging moments: facing a terminal diagnosis.

DECATUR, GA, July 14, 2025: Shannon Pawley, Owner of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm, has posted a new blog on the law firm’s website entitled “Estate Planning with a Terminal Diagnosis: How to Leave a Legacy Without Leaving a Mess.” Ms. Pawley focuses on minimizing family conflict, avoiding probate and ensuring a smooth transition of assets.

Pawley writes, “One of life’s most difficult moments comes when facing a terminal diagnosis. However,” she adds, “like all of life’s challenging moments, having an advance notice while still of sound mind also presents an opportunity to take control of your legacy. This is the time to dedicate yourself to thoughtful estate planning to avoid confusion, disputes, or delays after you’re gone, and to ensure that your loved ones are supported and that your wishes are honored.”

As Pawley states, “The most effective way to begin is by reviewing or creating the following essential documents: a will, durable power of attorney, and advance healthcare directive. These establish who will manage your affairs and how medical decisions should be made if you’re unable to communicate.”

Additionally, Pawley states, “Consider establishing a trust. Trusts, unlike wills, allow assets to bypass probate—a public, often lengthy court process.” She continues adding, “Revocable living trusts, for example, enable you to retain control over your assets during your lifetime and seamlessly transfer them to beneficiaries upon death. This can spare your loved ones from added stress during an already difficult time.”

By clearly outlining your wishes in a trust, you reduce the risk of family disputes.

The entire blog can be read here: Estate Planning with a Terminal Diagnosis: How to Leave a Legacy Without Leaving a Mess

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.