Estate Planning · Naperville, Illinois
Powers of Attorney You Choose Who Decides. Not a Court.
If you become incapacitated without valid powers of attorney in place, an Illinois court appoints someone to manage your finances and make your medical decisions. That person may not be who you would have chosen. A properly drafted POA prevents that entirely.
What We Do
Two Documents Every Illinois Adult Needs
Powers of attorney are not just for the elderly. A car accident, a sudden illness, a surgical complication — incapacity can happen at any age. These two documents ensure someone you trust has immediate legal authority to act on your behalf.
Durable Financial POA
Grants your agent authority to manage bank accounts, pay bills, file taxes, manage investments, and handle real estate transactions on your behalf. “Durable” means it remains effective even if you become incapacitated — unlike a general POA, which terminates at incapacity.
Healthcare POA & Living Will
Designates someone to make medical decisions if you cannot. The companion living will (advance directive) records your specific wishes about life-sustaining treatment, artificial nutrition, and end-of-life care — so your agent and physicians have clear guidance.
"Without a healthcare POA, Illinois hospitals cannot legally take direction from your spouse on treatment decisions. The document is that important — and that commonly overlooked."
— Brad Plaschke, Managing Attorney · ARDC #6225854
POA Structures We Draft
Customized for Your Situation and Relationships
01
Durable Financial POA
Broad or limited financial authority. Effective immediately or only upon incapacity (springing). Tailored powers — real estate, business, tax, investments — based on your assets.
02
Healthcare POA
Illinois-compliant designation of healthcare agent with specific authority language. Includes successor agents in the event your primary agent is unavailable.
03
Living Will / Advance Directive
Documents your specific wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment, organ donation, and DNR preferences — in your own words, legally binding under Illinois law.
04
Limited or Springing POA
Tailored for specific transactions (e.g., a real estate closing you cannot attend) or designed to “spring” into effect only upon a physician’s certification of incapacity.
How It Works
Our Attorney-Led Process
01
Week 1
Free Planning Review
Brad discusses your family structure, identifies the right agents, and explains the scope of authority appropriate for your situation.
02
Week 1–2
Agent Selection & Scope Design
We work through who to name as primary and successor agents, what powers to grant, and any specific limitations or conditions you want included.
03
Week 2–3
Drafting & Plain-Language Review
Brad drafts both documents in compliance with Illinois law and walks you through every provision so you understand exactly what authority you’re granting — and to whom.
04
Week 3–4
Execution & Distribution
Witnessed and notarized per Illinois statutory requirements. Brad advises on providing copies to financial institutions, healthcare providers, and your agents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I become incapacitated without a financial POA?
Your family must petition an Illinois court for guardianship — a process that can take months, costs thousands in legal fees, and places an ongoing reporting burden on the guardian. The court, not you, decides who is appointed. A durable financial POA eliminates this entirely.
Can my agent use the financial POA to benefit themselves?
Does a healthcare POA override my family's wishes?
Can I revoke a power of attorney after I've signed it?
Are online POA forms valid in Illinois?
What Naperville Families Say
“When my mother had a stroke, her healthcare POA made all the difference. We knew exactly what she wanted and had legal authority to act immediately. Brad had prepared those documents with her two years earlier. I cannot overstate how important that preparation was.”
Ellen G.
“Brad explained every provision — what our agents could and couldn’t do — in plain language. We left confident, not confused. He also flagged that our old POA from another state wasn’t valid in Illinois. That alone was worth the consultation.”
Mark & Diane P.
“I’m a business owner and Brad made sure my financial POA included appropriate authority over my business interests — something a generic form would never have addressed. He thought of things I hadn’t considered.”
David R.
Ready to Protect Your Family?
Schedule a free planning review. No pressure, no obligation — just clear answers from an experienced Illinois estate attorney.
Attorney advertising. Not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship created by this website. IL ARDC #6225854.