Power of Attorney in DuPage County

Estate Planning Lawyer in Elmhurst, Lombard, and Chicagoland

When dealing with important matters such as your finances, property, and health care, the decisions made can impact you and your loved ones for years to come. When you are young and healthy, you will normally have little problem making these decisions for yourself. But what if something unexpected happens and you are suddenly incapacitated? Without an authorized representative to manage important areas of your life, these decisions could be made by people that do not necessarily have your best interests at heart. The creation of a Power of Attorney can have your carefully selected agent ready to act, without the need to go to court, in the event the need arises.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives someone you trust the authority to act on your behalf. The designated agent (anyone over age 18) that holds Power of Attorney can perform a number of functions in your place, including but not limited to:

•     Paying bills
•     Signing documents
•     Managing property/financial assets
•     Operating a business
•     Handling legal matters
•     Making healthcare financial decisions

If you have not created a Power of Attorney and designated an agent to handle the critical areas of your life should you no longer be able to do so, it is important to speak to an attorney with an in-depth understanding of this area of the law. From small financial matters to property ownership to health care decisions, Michael V. LoCicero, Attorney at Law can help set up the right Power of Attorney to suit your needs. Michael is experienced and compassionate, taking the time to understand your wishes and craft a legal document that accurately reflects your intentions. Our DuPage County, IL estate planning attorney serves clients in Cook County and communities throughout the Chicago area.

There are two common Powers of Attorney in Illinois:

• Power of Attorney for Property - This document appoints a designated agent to make your financial decisions and manage your property. A Power of Attorney for Property can be set up to take effect immediately, at a later date (such as if you become incapacitated), or temporarily for a specific purpose. For example, if you are taking an extended trip overseas, you can designate a trusted agent to pay your bills and manage your business while you are gone, or you can appoint an agent to sign closing documents at a real estate closing because you cannot be present.
• Power of Attorney for Healthcare - These healthcare documents appoint a designated agent to act on your behalf in matters involving medical care and treatment should you no longer be able to do so. Your trusted agent will have authority to make critical healthcare decisions (such as whether or not to keep you on life support or determine procedures and treatments) as per your wishes. He/she is also granted access to your medical records and the authority to donate your organs and dispose of your remains.

Powers of Attorney are complicated instruments that should not be created without the help of a professional. If you want to set up a Power of Attorney and/or learn more about which type is needed for your particular circumstance, contact Michael V. LoCicero, Attorney at Law, at 630-932-7007 for your free consultation. Our DuPage County, IL estate planning attorney represents clients for Powers of Attorney and other estate planning issues in Cook County and DuPage County, as well as Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard, Oak Brook, Hillside, Darien, Lemont, Naperville, Wheaton, Brookfield, and surrounding Illinois communities.