Shannon Pawley, The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm Owner, explains why receiving a life-changing diagnosis often serves as an important wake-up call.

DECATUR, GA, June ••, 2025: Shannon Pawley, Owner of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm, has posted a new article on the law firm’s website entitled “Diagnosed but Not Defenseless: Why Estate Planning Is Critical After a Life-Changing Diagnosis.” Ms. Pawley provides steps that can be taken immediately to protect loved ones and provide peace after a life-changing diagnosis has been received.

Pawley states, “A life-changing diagnosis—whether cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or another serious illness—can shake the foundations of even the most carefully built life. In the face of such uncertainty,” she adds, “the primary focus goes understandably to treatment plans, second opinions, and managing symptoms. But there’s another critical area that also requires immediate attention: estate planning.”

According to Pawley, “Far too many people procrastinate when it comes to creating an estate plan. But, when given a serious diagnosis, that is a wake-up call.” She emphasizes, “Procrastination serves no purpose now.” Pawley states, “ You are given a chance to take control in ways that ensure your voice is heard and your wishes honored, no matter what the future brings.” Pawley notes, “While confronting estate planning might feel overwhelming during such a critical health crisis, it’s a vital act of empowerment, one that brings peace of mind regardless of your prognosis. Knowing that you have handled all the difficult decisions instead of leaving them to be made by your loved ones is a huge relief to both you and your loved ones.”

Pawley provides a list of essential documents, noting the importance of working with an experienced estate attorney to help negotiate public benefits like Medicaid.

The entire article can be read here: Diagnosed but Not Defenseless: Why Estate Planning Is Critical After a Life-Changing Diagnosis

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.