What is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney in Illinois is comprised of two (2) documents. The first document is a power of attorney for property, which appoints an agent to make financial decisions in case you cannot make those financial decisions yourself. Generally, a power of attorney for property helps you avoid guardianship issues such as an elderly person that has no legal documents and develops an incapacity issue. The second type of document is a power of attorney for healthcare. This document enables you to appoint a person to make healthcare decisions in case you cannot make your own decisions. Simply put, a power of attorney for healthcare describes how you want your agent to make healthcare decisions for you. In the power of attorney for healthcare, you inform your agent and the hospital how you want them to make critical healthcare decisions consistent with your beliefs and religious beliefs.

Sean Robertson is an estate planning attorney in downtown Chicago that can be reached at (312)-854-7102. Our website is www.RobertsonLawGroup.com. Our main office is 35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 935, Chicago, Illinois 60601.