Libertyville Power of Attorney for Healthcare Lawyers

Health POA Attorneys Serving Lake County, Illinois

Illinois law explicitly acknowledges that you have the right to make your own decisions regarding the medical and health-related care that you wish to receive or not receive. However, a situation may arise in which you are not able to make such decisions for yourself. In order to protect yourself, you have the ability to create a durable power of attorney for healthcare, which gives another person the authority to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.

At Newland & Newland, L.L.P., our attorneys have more than 60 years of combined experience. We recognize the importance of planning for the future, and we are prepared to help you define your wishes in a comprehensive, easy to understand manner.

How a Power of Attorney Works

Under the Illinois Power of Attorney Act (755 ILCS 45), you can use a written instrument known as a power of attorney to select a person to make decisions on your behalf. A power of attorney for property allows the person to make decisions regarding your property and finances while a power of attorney for healthcare gives the person authority over your medical care.

When you create a power of attorney for healthcare, you are called the "principal" and the person you choose to make decisions is called an "agent" or "health care proxy." Your agent should be someone that you know well and whom you can trust to make decisions in accordance with your wishes and personal values. You may also wish to draft a living will to provide your agent with additional guidance regarding your medical care and desired treatment.

Vernon Hills POA Law Firm

If you were suddenly incapacitated and unable to make decisions about your own health, medical professionals and even your own family might not have any idea about what type of care to provide you. By creating an estate plan that includes a health care power of attorney and living will, you can eliminate most of the confusion and uncertainty.

Keep in mind that you must choose your agent with great care. The person you select must be ready, willing, and capable of making difficult decisions for you. Your agent will be expected to:

• Act in good faith to protect your best interests;
• Comply with the terms of the power of attorney document and other applicable directives;
• Keep track of the actions he or she takes on your behalf;
• Maintain an accounting of your health-related expenses;
• Keep all relevant documentation;
• Cooperate with doctors, hospitals, and caregivers; and
• Support the goals stated in your estate plan.

Your agent will also need to work closely with your chosen executor, trustees, and other fiduciaries appointed to help carry out the directives contained in your estate plan. Our team will help you select the right person to serve as your power of attorney and work with you in completing all of the necessary paperwork.

Call 847-549-0000 Today

If you have questions about setting up a healthcare power of attorney or any other aspect of estate planning, contact our office. Call 847-549-0000 to schedule a free, confidential consultation at Newland & Newland, LLP today. With five locations, we serve clients in Libertyville, Grayslake, Waukegan, Vernon Hills, Arlington Heights, North Chicago, Lake County, and the neighboring communities.