Power of Attorney Documents

We understand the importance of planning for the future and ensuring that your affairs are in trusted hands, even when you are unable to manage them yourself. That's why we offer comprehensive Power of Attorney documents to provide you and your loved ones with peace of mind during life's unexpected turns.

Let us help you get covered with power of attorney documents

 

What is Power of Attorney?

Power of Attorney (POA) documents are legal instruments that grant authority to a trusted individual, known as an agent, to make important decisions on your behalf in various situations. These documents are crucial for safeguarding your interests and ensuring that your wishes are upheld when you are unable to act due to illness, incapacity, or other circumstances.

Picture of hand holding credit cards to represent a financial power of attorney where an individual can appoint another person to make financial and legal decisions on their behalf

Financial Power of Attorney

A Financial Power of Attorney, or Power of Attorney for Property, is a legal document that grants a designated individual (agent) the authority to make financial and legal decisions on behalf of another person (principal).

The agent's powers can vary depending on the specific terms outlined in the document, but they often include managing bank accounts, paying bills, making investment decisions, buying or selling property, and handling legal matters.

Healthcare Power of Attorney

A Healthcare Power of Attorney, or Medical Power of Attorney, is a legal document that allows an individual (principal) to appoint another person (agent) to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so.

The agent is responsible for ensuring that medical treatment and care align with the principal's wishes, as outlined in the document. It is a critical component of advance healthcare planning and allows for personalized medical decision-making.

Image of a nurse to represent a healthcare power of attorney which is is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint another person to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so

Why do you need a power of attorney document?

5 reasons why you might need a power of attorney

 

  1. Incapacity Planning

A Power of Attorney can be used to plan for the possibility of mental or physical incapacity. If an individual becomes unable to make decisions due to illness, injury, or age-related conditions like dementia, having a designated agent can ensure that financial and healthcare matters are managed in their best interest.

2. Convenience

Some individuals may use a Power of Attorney for convenience. For example, if you are frequently traveling or living abroad, you can appoint an agent to handle your financial affairs, sign documents, or make decisions on your behalf while they are unavailable. Going away without the kids? POAs are a great way to ensure your children are taken care of during your vacation away.

3. Real Estate Transactions

Power of Attorney can be useful for real estate transactions, especially if you are unable to be present for the closing. An agent can sign documents and complete the transaction on your behalf.

4. Healthcare Decisions

A Healthcare Power of Attorney specifically addresses medical decision-making. It's important for individuals who want to designate someone they trust to make healthcare choices on their behalf if they are unable to communicate their wishes due to a medical emergency or incapacity.

5. Business Matters

Business owners may appoint an agent to manage their business affairs if they are unavailable or become incapacitated. This ensures that the business can continue to operate smoothly.

Want to get your power of attorney in order?

Take control of your future

Power of Attorney documents are an essential component of a comprehensive estate plan, allowing you to designate trusted individuals to act on your behalf when you need it most. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can empower you with these vital legal instruments to secure your financial and healthcare decisions. With Cherish Legal, you're in capable hands, today and tomorrow!

 
Image of Jayme Durkee, estate planning attorney and founder of Cherish Legal

Hi! I’m Jayme.

I’m an estate planning attorney in Rockford, IL.

I help individuals and families in Illinois and Wisconsin build their legacy estate plan plan, easily and 100% remotely. My top priority is to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of when life throws you for unexpected turns.

Join me and I will make sure to protect those you cherish most!

We hope you found this estate planning information helpful. As a reminder, the information presented here is for general informational purposes only. You are unique, and legal advice should be tailored to your unique situation. Do not rely upon any information here as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. If you would like to learn more about how we can protect your family or small business, please contact us!

Cherish Legal is an estate planning law firm based out of Rockford, Illinois. We are licensed to practice estate planning in Wisconsin and Illinois. We provide virtual estate planning services to families and legal counsel to small businesses located. Our services include: wills, trusts, power of attorney, estate plans, guardianship, trust administration, probate, and asset protection.