Shannon Pawley, The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm Owner, explains the seriousness of having a POA who refuses to follow stated preferences and the importance of acting quickly and decisively.

DECATUR, GA, May 12, 2026: Shannon Pawley, Owner of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm, has posted a new article on the law firm’s website entitled “What Happens If Your Power of Attorney Refuses to Follow Your Wishes?” Ms. Pawley explains that when trust is broken the consequences can be serious.

Pawley writes, “A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives someone — known as the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”—the authority to act on your behalf in financial, medical, or personal matters. This arrangement,” she explains, “is built on trust and the expectation is that your agent will follow your wishes and act in your best interest. But,” she asks, “what happens if they don’t?”

According to Pawley, “If your power of attorney refuses to follow your instructions, the situation can quickly become serious. For instance,” she illustrates, “you discover that your bills are not being paid. Or your bank questions the withdrawal of large sums from your bank account.  Legally,” Pawley states, “your agent has a fiduciary duty, meaning they are required to act loyally, honestly, and in accordance with your stated preferences. Ignoring your wishes, acting for personal gain, or making decisions that contradict your instructions is considered a breach of that duty.”

Pawley emphasizes, “If you are of sound mind, you have the right to cancel a POA at any time. This involves creating a written revocation document and notifying your agent, as well as any institutions (like banks or healthcare providers) that relied on the original POA. Once revoked,” she adds, “the agent no longer has legal authority to act on your behalf.”

“If you are no longer mentally competent,” Pawley writes, and your agent is not acting in your best interest, the situation becomes more complex. In this case,” she states, “concerned family members or loved ones may need to petition a court for intervention. This could involve asking the court to remove the agent and appoint a guardian or conservator to take over decision-making responsibilities.”

The entire article can be read here: What Happens If Your Power of Attorney Refuses to Follow Your Wishes?

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.