Sugar Grove Power of Attorney for Health Care Lawyer

Kane County Estate Planning Attorney

According to Illinois law, you have the explicit right to make decisions for yourself about the medical care that you want to receive, or to not receive, depending on your wishes. A situation, however, could arise that leaves you unable to make your own health-related decisions. If you wish to protect yourself in such a circumstance, you can draft a document known as a durable power of attorney for health care.

At the Law Office of James F. White, P.C., our team has vast experience helping clients in matters of estate planning. We understand that planning now can make things much easier for yourself and your family members in the future. Our firm can help you create a power of attorney document that offers your loved ones the peace of mind that they deserve.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

The Illinois Power of Attorney Act (755 ILCS 45) governs powers of attorney in Illinois. According to the Act, you have the option of drafting a written instrument—called a power of attorney—to appoint another person to make decisions for you. You would use a power of attorney for property to address decisions about your finances and assets, and a power of attorney for health care to address your health and medical care.

When you draft a power of attorney for health care, you are known as the "principal." The individual to whom you grant decision-making authority is known as an "agent" or "attorney-in-fact." He or she may also be referred to as your "health care proxy." The agent you choose should be a person that knows you well and one that you trust to uphold your values and wishes. You could also create a living will, which would give your agent additional guidance about the types of care you want or do not want to receive.

Planning for the Future in Kendall County

If you suddenly became incapacitated and unable to express your wishes regarding your health, those around you, including doctors, nurses, and your family members, might have very little information about the types of care to offer you. Your loved ones might not be prepared to make the difficult decisions required by the situation. When you include a power of attorney for health care in your estate plan, much of the uncertainty and confusion can be eliminated.

You should take great care in selecting the person to serve as your agent. He or she must be capable of and willing to make very tough decisions about your medical treatment. The duties of your agent will include:

• Acting in good faith to safeguard your best interests;
• Complying with the provisions of the power of attorney, living will, and other valid documents;
• Tracking the decisions made and actions taken;
• Maintaining a record of health-related expenditures;
• Keeping copies of all relevant documents;
• Working in good faith with medical professionals and health care facilities; and
• Supporting the overall goals of your estate plan.

The agent must also cooperate with the executor of your estate, appointed trustees, and other individuals that you have assigned responsibilities in your estate plan. We can help you choose the best agent for your situation, and we will assist you in filing all of the paperwork.

Call 630-466-1600 Today

For more information about our firm and how we can help you with your power of attorney for health care, contact our office. Call 630-466-1600 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at the Law Office of James F. White, P.C. today. We offer estate planning services to clients in Sugar Grove, Aurora, Naperville, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Oswego, Montgomery, Yorkville, North Aurora, DeKalb, Kaneville, Maple Park, Elburn, Hinckley, DeKalb County, Kane County, DuPage County, and the surrounding areas.