In this episode of Milltown Lawyers, Attorney Debra Dutton explains the critical documents every Georgian should have in place — the Power of Attorney and Advance Healthcare Directive. She breaks down how each one works, when they take effect, and how they protect your family during medical or financial emergencies.

From real-life examples to lessons learned from years of practice, Attorney Dutton shares why these documents matter for anyone — married or single — and how small oversights can cause big legal problems down the line.

00:00 – Overview of end-of-life planning and essential documents 01:30 – What a Power of Attorney is and why it’s important 03:00 – When spouses can automatically act on each other’s behalf 05:00 – Why some banks reject standard Georgia Power of Attorney forms 07:00 – Real stories showing how Power of Attorney helps in emergencies 09:30 – Power of Attorney vs. Executor responsibilities 11:00 – Why medical decisions require a separate Healthcare Directive 12:30 – What’s inside Georgia’s Advance Healthcare Directive form 14:30 – Choosing when and how your directive takes effect 16:00 – How to handle religious or personal medical preferences 17:30 – Making funeral arrangements and giving legal authority 18:30 – When and how to update or revoke these documents 19:00 – Why consulting a lawyer prevents costly mistakes

Milltown Lawyers shares real legal insights from Dutton & Dutton Law Firm in Griffin, Georgia. Each episode covers practical legal topics — from estate planning to business law — to help Georgia families protect their future with confidence and clarity.