Lawyers for Setting Up Powers of Attorney in DuPage County, IL

Estate Planning Lawyers Serving Oak Park, Hinsdale, and Western Springs

A power of attorney is a valuable estate planning that allows the principal to designate a trusted individual to act on his or her behalf regarding financial or healthcare decisions. Often used in conjunction with wills and trusts or other estate planning documents, powers of attorney can provide added assurance that the person you choose will be making critical decisions on your behalf should you be unable to make them yourself.

At Tiesenga & DeBoer LLP, our attorneys have over a century of combined experience with highly complex estate planning strategies. We put our experience to work to analyze your specific needs thoroughly and provide a comprehensive strategy that fully accomplishes your goals. Often, this strategy includes a power of attorney to ensure that the person empowered to act on your behalf is the person of your choosing.

Types of Powers of Attorney

In Illinois, there are two types of power of attorney: a power of attorney for healthcare and power of attorney for property. Unless otherwise stated, both documents are considered "durable," meaning they remain in force if you become incapacitated.

Healthcare Power of Attorney

A power of attorney for healthcare gives an individual the right to make healthcare decisions on your behalf, such as which types of medical procedures you want to be performed, authorizing (or not authorizing) the use of life support, and other end-of-life decisions. The healthcare power of attorney you appoint should be an individual you fully trust to be your advocate in dealing with healthcare professionals and ensuring the right medical decisions are made. It can also be helpful to create an advanced healthcare directive (also known as a living will) in conjunction with your healthcare power of attorney to give your loved ones specific written guidance on your wishes.

Property Power of Attorney

A power of attorney for property gives a trusted individual the right to make financial decisions on your behalf; such as decisions regarding the handling of finances and bank accounts, paying bills, operating or monitoring your business, conducting real estate and property transactions, handling insurance issues, filing tax returns, and dealing with other types of financial paperwork. A property power of attorney can grant broad financial decision-making powers or more limited authority, depending on your specific needs.

Powers of attorney can transfer important decision-making powers to a trusted loved one should you no longer be able to make these decisions yourself. This creates additional peace of mind knowing that someone who is truly looking out for your best interests will make your medical and financial decisions.

At Tiesenga & DeBoer LLP, we understand that legal issues often arise unexpectedly, and we emphasize responsiveness and accessibility; working hard to remain available when you need us most. If you need help creating a power of attorney or any other type of estate planning assistance, contact our office today at 630-645-9881 for a personalized consultation.