Shannon Pawley, The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm Owner, writes about Power of Attorney duties and the qualities to look for in selecting the right person for the role.

DECATUR, GA, November 14, 2025: Shannon Pawley, Owner of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm, has posted a new blog on the law firm’s website entitled “The Power of Attorney: The Difference Between Chaos and Control in a Crisis,” Ms. Pawley encourages readers to take sufficient time in selecting a Power of Attorney.

Pawley writes, “An unexpected family crisis, whether an accident, sudden illness, or mental incapacity, often throws families into chaos – into the difficult position of scrambling to make urgent financial or medical decisions. Even if the person in crisis has made contingency plans,” Pawley states, “there is one important aspect of that plan that could still cause chaos. The difference between chaos and control hinges on one person: t the agent you appoint under your Power of Attorney (POA).”

As Pawley explains, “A Power of Attorney isn’t just a form to be signed and filed away. Its effectiveness depends entirely on the individual you’ve chosen to serve as your agent that you entrust with the authority to make healthcare and financial decisions on your behalf.”  She emphasizes, “Without the right person in position, even the most expertly drafted Power of Attorney is little more than paper.”

According to Pawley, “It’s important to keep in mind that when a crisis hits, emotions run high, and decisions can carry enormous consequences. The wrong agent may hesitate, second-guess your intentions, or prioritize their own beliefs or convenience over your clearly stated directions. “She adds, “The right agent can bring calm, clarity, and confidence to the situation. They become your voice when you can no longer speak for yourself—protecting your autonomy and ensuring your wishes are honored.”

The entire blog can be read here: The Power of Attorney: The Difference Between Chaos and Control in a Crisis

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.