Who Makes Decisions for You When You Can't?
Powers of attorney and advance directives give you the legal authority to answer that question now — on your terms, with people you trust.
- Six attorneys, each a specialist — not a generalist stretched thin
- Seamless cross-referrals within the firm so nothing falls through the cracks
- Full business lifecycle coverage: formation, contracts, trademarks, succession, estate planning, and litigation
- Plain-English communication at every stage — no jargon, no confusion
- Genuinely free consultations, because you deserve to understand your options before you commit
- Bilingual services for Houston's Spanish-speaking business community
What Powers of Attorney and Directives Actually Do
Most people don't think about these documents until they're sitting in a hospital waiting room wishing they had them. A power of attorney designates someone you trust to act on your behalf — managing finances, signing documents, or handling property — if you're ever unable to do so yourself. An advance directive (sometimes called a medical directive or living will) tells your doctors and family what kind of care you want if you're incapacitated and can't speak for yourself.
Together, these documents do something a will can't: they protect you while you're still alive. Without them, a medical emergency or unexpected incapacity can leave your family scrambling through court proceedings just to gain the legal authority to help you.
- Six attorneys, each a specialist — not a generalist stretched thin
- Seamless cross-referrals within the firm so nothing falls through the cracks
- Full business lifecycle coverage: formation, contracts, trademarks, succession, estate planning, and litigation
- Plain-English communication at every stage — no jargon, no confusion
- Genuinely free consultations, because you deserve to understand your options before you commit
- Bilingual services for Houston's Spanish-speaking business community
The Documents That Cover You During Life
There's no single document that does everything. The right combination depends on your situation, your family structure, and how much authority you want to grant. Here's what we typically prepare for clients:
- Durable Power of Attorney — Authorizes your chosen agent to manage financial and legal matters on your behalf. "Durable" means it stays in effect even if you become incapacitated.
- Medical Power of Attorney — Designates someone to make healthcare decisions for you when you can't communicate your own wishes.
- Directive to Physicians (Living Will) — Documents your preferences around life-sustaining treatment, resuscitation, and end-of-life care so your medical team has clear guidance.
- HIPAA Authorization — Allows designated individuals to access your medical records and communicate with your healthcare providers.
- Statutory Durable POA — Texas's statutory form for financial matters, which financial institutions and third parties are more likely to honor without pushback.
Each document serves a distinct role. We'll walk you through which ones make sense for your circumstances.
Why Timing Matters More Than You Think
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Seeking protection after persecution or fear of returning home can feel emotionally exhausting and legally confusing. The asylum process becomes more manageable when your case is approached with preparation, compassion, and careful immigration-focused guidance.
Survivors pursuing immigration relief under VAWA often need a legal process that feels safe, respectful, and confidential. Wogwu Law, PLLC helps clients understand their options while building a path toward greater stability and independence.
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Green card and adjustment cases can become stressful when timelines, forms, and immigration history all affect the process. Clients receive structured guidance designed to reduce confusion and help them move through status-related applications more confidently.
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Whether you're planning to sell, pass the business to family, or bring in a partner, succession planning protects what you've built. We help you structure the transition before it becomes urgent.
These documents can only be created while you have legal capacity — meaning you're of sound mind and able to make decisions for yourself. Once a medical event removes that capacity, it's too late to sign a power of attorney. At that point, your family may have no choice but to petition a court for guardianship or conservatorship, a process that takes time, costs money, and puts a judge in charge of decisions you could have made yourself.
We work with clients across Houston and throughout Texas and Georgia who come to us after a family member's unexpected health crisis made them realize how exposed they were. Getting these documents in place now isn't pessimistic — it's one of the most practical things you can do for the people who love you.
How We Work With You on These Documents
We don't hand you a stack of forms to fill out on your own. Our attorneys take time to understand your family situation, your concerns, and how much authority you want to delegate before a single document is drafted. Here's what the process looks like:
Step 1: Consultation
We talk through your circumstances, your relationships, and your goals. You'll leave the consultation with a clear picture of which documents you need and why.
Step 2: Drafting
Your attorney prepares documents tailored to your situation — not templates pulled off a shelf. Every grant of authority is intentional and reflects exactly what you want.
Step 3: Review and Execution
We walk you through each document before you sign, answer every question you have, and make sure the execution is handled correctly so the documents hold up when they're needed.
Common Questions About Powers of Attorney
Do I need a power of attorney if I'm married?
Yes. In most situations, your spouse does not automatically have the legal authority to manage your finances or make medical decisions on your behalf without a formal document in place. A power of attorney ensures your spouse — or another person you choose — has clear legal authority to act when it's needed.What's the difference between a durable and a springing power of attorney?
A durable power of attorney takes effect immediately upon signing and remains in effect if you become incapacitated. A springing power of attorney only activates when a specific condition is met, typically incapacity confirmed by a physician. Durable POAs are generally more practical because they don't require proof of incapacity before an agent can act.Can I limit what my agent is allowed to do?
Yes. A power of attorney can be drafted as broadly or as narrowly as you want. You can restrict your agent to specific transactions, specific accounts, or specific time periods. Your attorney will help you define the scope so the document reflects exactly the authority you intend to grant.What happens if I don't have a medical directive and I'm hospitalized?
Without a directive, medical decisions default to your next of kin under Texas law — and family members don't always agree. If there's a dispute, or if no family member is available, a court may need to intervene. A medical power of attorney and directive to physicians remove that uncertainty and ensure your wishes are followed.Can these documents be changed or revoked?
Yes, as long as you have legal capacity. You can revoke or amend a power of attorney at any time by executing a written revocation and notifying your agent and any institutions relying on the document. We recommend reviewing your documents after major life changes — marriage, divorce, the death of a named agent, or a significant shift in your health situation.
A Firm That Handles the Full Picture
Powers of attorney and directives are one piece of a complete estate plan. If you also need a will, a trust, or help with probate down the road, you won't need to start over with a new attorney. Our team handles all of it — business law, estate planning, intellectual property, and litigation — so your legal matters stay coordinated under one roof.
Clients who come to us for directives often discover they need a will or a trust to fully protect their family. We make it easy to address everything at once, or to come back and add documents as your situation changes.
Ready to Put the Right People in Charge?
Getting a power of attorney and advance directive in place is one of the most straightforward things you can do to protect yourself and your family — and it doesn't have to be complicated. Schedule a consultation with our team and we'll make sure you leave with exactly what you need.
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HEC Holding Co., LLC
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What sets your approach apart?
Our attorneys combine academic rigor, industry leadership, and a deep understanding of complex legal landscapes to deliver strategies uniquely tailored to each client.
How do you handle intricate legal challenges?
We thrive on complexity, leveraging decades of experience to uncover solutions others might miss. Every case is approached with precision, diligence, and creativity.
What kind of communication can clients expect?
We prioritize direct and consistent communication, offering clear updates and actionable insights throughout the legal process, so you remain confident and informed.
How do you approach long-term legal partnerships?
We build enduring relationships by aligning with our clients’ long-term objectives, acting as trusted advisors who guide and support through every phase of their ventures.
What can I expect during my consultation?
Your initial consultation will involve an in-depth discussion of your goals and challenges, allowing our attorneys to outline tailored strategies and next steps. See below for a typical process cadence.