Estate planning in Illinois involves making many choices, some of which can impact one’s life if a medical emergency happens. While most estate planning decisions are made based on what should occur after death, a power of attorney will make important decisions in the event the person granting the power becomes incapacitated and is incapable of making decisions independently. When choosing a power of attorney, it’s important to understand what qualities a good power of attorney should have.
What a power of attorney does
The power of attorney is there to make medical decisions when someone can’t make those decisions themselves. While some people choose to wait until a medical issue arises to choose a power of attorney, the process can be done anytime even if one is not facing medical concerns. It’s important to choose a power of attorney who is trustworthy and aware of one’s preferred methods of treatment. This should all be put into writing and included in an estate plan.
A power of attorney can be a family member, friend or a professional such as an attorney. It’s important to make that person aware of one’s wishes and to ensure they are comfortable acting on one’s behalf when needed. Acting as a power of attorney can be stressful, so it’s a good idea to choose an individual who is assertive and can make sound decisions in a highly stressful environment.
Estate planning can feel overwhelming
Estate planning involves much thought, and the process can make some people feel uneasy. It’s important to know that legal help is available for those who wish to designate a power of attorney and complete other estate planning tasks. Illinois residents can learn more about how to craft an estate plan based on their circumstances by consulting with an attorney that has knowledge of the applicable state and federal laws.
