What Happens If You Don’t Have Any of This in Place?
Nobody wants to talk about paperwork.
But here’s the truth: not planning is still a decision.
And when there’s no will, no power of attorney, and no advance directive in place—families are often left with chaos, confusion, and long-lasting regret.
Here’s what really happens when you don’t have any of it set up.
1. The Hospital Makes the Decisions
If there’s no advance directive or POLST:
Doctors may be legally required to do everything possible (CPR, ventilators, feeding tubes)
Emergency treatments may go against your loved one’s values
The medical team has to guess—and sometimes, over-treat just to stay compliant
Even if the family knows what the person wanted, verbal wishes don’t always hold up without documentation.
2. Someone May Be Forced to Make Decisions Alone
Without a healthcare power of attorney:
The hospital may turn to a default next of kin
That person may not know the full story—or even want the role
Siblings or spouses may be shut out of decisions completely
This leads to confusion, guilt, and in many cases, serious family conflict.
3. The Courts May Decide Who Gets What
Without a will:
The estate enters probate—a public, legal process that can take months (or years)
A court appoints someone to manage everything (called an administrator)
Assets may not go where your loved one would have wanted
Fights over money or property can destroy families
A simple will could prevent thousands of dollars in legal fees—and years of emotional fallout.
4. It Becomes an Emotional Burden That Lasts for Years
No plan = no clarity.
No clarity = guesswork, stress, and what-if guilt that lingers long after a loved one passes.
Caregivers are left thinking:
“Did I do the right thing?”
“Did I respect their wishes?”
“Would they have wanted this?”
Advance care planning isn’t just about documents. It’s about protecting your people from the emotional weight of guessing.
5. You Lose the Chance to Make Values-Based Decisions
When you don’t plan ahead, you lose the ability to say:
“We know what she would’ve wanted.”
“He was clear about how he wanted to live—and die.”
“This care plan reflects her values, not just what’s medically available.”
That’s the difference between default care and dignified care.
Willow & Wells Helps Families Plan for Peace—Not Just Paperwork
We make advance care planning easier, softer, and clearer. Because every family deserves more than guesswork—and every person deserves a say in how they’re treated when it matters most.
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We’re building something for people who are tired of doing this alone.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, overlooked, or just plain exhausted by the system… You’re exactly who we made this for.
Caregiving is hard enough. Finding help shouldn’t be.
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