Last Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Read Time: 2 mins
If you can’t conduct business due to mental or physical incapacity (dementia, stroke, heart attack, etc.), only a court appointee can sign for you – even if you have a will. Remember, a will only goes into effect after you die. Once the court gets involved, it usually stays involved until you recover or die and it, not your family, will control how your assets are used to care for you. This public, probate process can be expensive, embarrassing, time consuming and difficult to end. It does not replace probate at death, so your family may have to go through probate court twice!
In some cases, a durable power of attorney may prevent the lifetime probate process. A durable power of attorney lets you name someone to manage your financial affairs if you are unable to do so. However, many financial institutions will not honor one unless it is on their form. If accepted, it may work too well, giving someone a “blank check” to do whatever the agent wants with your assets. It can be very effective when used with a living trust, but risky when used alone.
Please contact our office if you have questions about the living probate process or if you wnat more information on strategies to avoid the process.
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Hailey Wade14 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Patterson Bray PLLC did an excellent job with my grandmother's estate planning, and made everything easy to understand! She recommended them to a friend who went and is also very satisfied with their services.Posted on Google
Deb Clark19 days agoMy experience with this firm, particularly Judith Denham has been truly exceptional. From the consultation to the finish, the attention to detail, listening and responding to my needs. My documents were completed timely and professionally. I highly recommend Patterson Bray.Posted on Google
Tanya White19 days agoPattersonBray Estate Planning was an incredible firm to work with setting up our Trust. Judith Denham was thorough, very smart, and personable as she patiently explained each part. Gabby put together a very professional beautiful binder for us to have, and has answered questions we have had since then. I am so glad they were recommended to us, and we had them to walk us through this procedure.Posted on Google
Charmaine Sego19 days agoPatterson Bray did a great job with my mother's trust.Posted on Google
Phil Chamberlain36 days agoPatterson Bray PLLC - first class lawyers.Posted on Google
Catherine McGee55 days agoHeath Taylor was a genuine joy to work with during my divorce: straight forward, professional, and knowledgeable. I do hope I never have the need to acquire more legal help, but if I do, he'll be my first call. Thank you for everything, Heath!!Posted on Google
Marva Johnson62 days agoI FOUND PATTERSON BRAY AND JUDITH DENHAM TO BE PROFESSIONAL, VERY THOROUGH, AND PERSONAL. I DID NOT FEEL LIKE A CLIENT, BUT A PERSON. I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH THEM, ESPECIALLY JUDITH AND GABBY. VERY GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE. M.JOHNSONPosted on Google
Pam Nicole63 days agoWe set up a trust with Judith, at Patterson Bray and we received excellent service. Everything was explained thoroughly and everyone was very friendly and professional. I would definitely use her and the firm again, if needed.Posted on Google
Steven Creasy84 days agoRachel was amazing and professional. Highly recommend. Thank you!Posted on Google
Lea Carr98 days agoPatterson Bray has a fantastic team and is always quick to respond for any need that I have. They are also great to refer clients, family, and friends to.
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