Planning for the future is one of the most important ways to protect your family and the assets you’ve worked hard to build. An estate power of attorney allows you to choose someone you trust to handle financial and healthcare decisions if you’re ever unable to do so yourself. At Crosby & Crosby Law, we help individuals and families in Rockford create comprehensive estate plans that include powers of attorney, wills, and trusts tailored to their needs.
Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
What Is an Estate Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney over an estate is a legal document that gives someone the authority to act on your behalf. This trusted individual, called an agent, can manage financial matters. They can also make healthcare decisions and handle estate-related tasks if you cannot do so.
There are two primary powers of attorney:
- Durable Power of Attorney: Covers financial matters, such as managing accounts, paying bills, and handling property.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney: Also known as a living will, this document authorizes someone to make medical decisions if you cannot communicate your wishes.
Why Do You Need a Power of Attorney?
Having an estate planning power of attorney ensures your wishes are followed even when you cannot act for yourself. Without it, your family may face legal delays or confusion about who can make decisions on your behalf.
Here’s why it matters:
- Financial Protection: Your agent can manage your assets responsibly if you are incapacitated.
- Healthcare Decisions: Someone you trust can make medical choices aligned with your preferences.
- Peace of Mind: Your family will know who has the authority to act on your behalf.
What to Consider When Choosing an Agent
Selecting someone to hold power of attorney over an estate is a significant decision. Your agent should be:
- Trustworthy: Ensure they will act in your best interests.
- Financially Savvy: For financial matters, they should understand how to manage money and property and handle your financial affairs properly.
- Communicative: They should be able to work well with your family and professionals.
Our attorneys can guide you through this process to help you make this extremely important choice.
Why Work With Crosby & Crosby Law?
When it comes to something as important as estate planning and powers of attorney, you deserve a team that combines legal experience with genuine care. At Crosby & Crosby Law, we take the time to understand your goals, explain your options in plain language, and craft documents that reflect your exact wishes.
Our experienced Rockford attorneys will guide you through every step—helping you choose the right agent, drafting clear and enforceable documents, and ensuring your plan stays current as life changes. We’re not just here to complete forms; we’re here to provide confidence and peace of mind.
With years of experience serving families across Rockford, our firm is known for:
- Comprehensive knowledge of Illinois estate planning laws
- Personalized, compassionate service tailored to your family’s needs
- Open communication so you always know where your plan stands
At Crosby & Crosby Law, you’ll find a dedicated legal partner who treats you like family and helps protect what matters most. Contact us today for a free consultation to start building a secure, complete estate plan for your future.
Get Started with Crosby & Crosby Law
Take control of your future with a well-prepared estate plan. At Crosby & Crosby Law, we are here to guide you through every step, including setting up an estate power of attorney.
Call us today at 815-367-6432 to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you protect your assets, provide for your family, and find peace of mind with a strong estate plan.
Power of Attorney – FAQ
1. Can a power of attorney be revoked or changed?
Yes, you can revoke or change a power of attorney at any time as long as you are mentally competent. This can be done by creating a written revocation or by drafting a new power of attorney. It’s important to inform your agent and any involved parties. This will help make sure they accept the updated document.
2. Does a power of attorney need to be notarized?
In Illinois, a power of attorney must be signed and notarized to be valid. This ensures that the document is legally enforceable and accepted by banks, healthcare providers, and other institutions. Our attorneys can guide you through the proper steps to ensure compliance with Illinois law.
3. What happens if I don’t have a power of attorney?
Without a power of attorney, your family might have to ask a court for a guardian. This guardian would make decisions for you. This process can be time-consuming, costly, and emotionally challenging. A power of attorney allows you to choose a trusted person in advance, avoiding unnecessary legal complications.
4. Can one person serve as both agent and executor?
Yes, one person can serve as both your agent under a power of attorney and the executor of your estate. However, these roles involve different responsibilities. Your agent acts while you are alive, while your executor manages your estate after your death. Choosing the same person can simplify decision-making. However, this choice should be based on their ability to handle both roles effectively.
5. Is Power of Attorney the Same as an Executor of Estate?
No, the power of attorney and executor roles are different.
- Power of Attorney: This applies while you are alive, allowing your agent to make decisions for you.
- Executor of Estate: Manages your estate after your death, ensuring your will is carried out.
