Stock, Carlson, Flynn & McGrath, LLC

Illinois Powers of Attorney Lawyers

Wheaton, Illinois Powers of Attorney

In Illinois, you can appoint someone, either temporarily or permanently, to settle your financial and property affairs, or to make health care decisions on your behalf or in the event of your incapacity. These are done with powers of attorney.

Since the “principal” is designating an “agent” to make important medical decisions or financial decisions on behalf of the principal, who will be bound by the agent’s actions, it is extremely important to consult an attorney who can guide you through the crucial steps to preparing powers of attorney.

Different Powers of Attorney

There are two types of powers of attorney:

• Health Care Powers of Attorney authorize your agent to make important medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated and unable to directly communicate your wishes. The health care power of attorney can be used for temporary purposes, such as in situations requiring major medical procedures, or you can have a “Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care” that will appoint an agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you remain disabled. It can also state who you wish to act as the guardian of your person in the event of your disability. It may also avoid the necessity of a guardianship altogether.
• Property Powers of Attorney authorize your agent to handle your property and financial transactions. They too, can be temporary – for example, to authorize someone to complete a transaction for you – or “durable” – which usually give your agent access to your personal financial accounts and the authority to use your assets on your behalf in the ways that you designate if you become disable and during your incapacitation. It can also state who you wish to act as the guardian of your estate in the event of your disability. It may also avoid the necessity of a guardianship altogether.

Powers of attorney are often addressed during the estate planning process. That is not necessarily the case, however; the need for a power of attorney may arise independently of other estate planning.

The law firm of Stock, Carlson, Flynn and McGrath, LLC, in Wheaton, Illinois, recognizes the concerns many of our clients have in relation to powers of attorney. Our attorneys can provide you with the help you need in drafting the appropriate legal documents necessary, and we can aid in strategizing plans that may avoid contested disputes over your health and property.

Talk to Someone You Can Trust

Having Stock, Carlson, Flynn and McGrath, LLC guiding you through the process of drafting contractual powers of attorney will be of the utmost value to ensuring your needs are met. Contact our Wheaton attorneys at (630) 665-2500. We can help you protect your interests.