Serving Waukegan, Libertyville, Lake County, Gurnee & nearby areas of Illinois
Posted: February 7, 2011
Our clients frequently tell us they need to prepare a will. They often procrastinate but that is not the point of this discussion. When planning for death, one should also plan for disability. You need to have someone appointed to represent your interests in the event you become unable to do so.
The State of Illinois has enacted legislation changing the format of powers of attorney beginning July 1, 2011. A power of attorney can be used to appoint someone to make medical decisions for you. It can also be used to appoint someone to handle your financial affairs.
If you have a power of attorney for health care and/or property that was prepared by us or by another lawyer, it will still be binding and valid after July 1st. However, the new forms are much more comprehensive than the old forms and comply more thoroughly with recent changes in the law regarding disability and probate estates.
Now is a good time to review your entire estate plan and to consider replacing your old powers of attorney. Contact us to discuss you best options.
If you have a power of attorney for health care and/or property that was prepared by us or by another lawyer, it will still be binding and valid after July 1st. However, the new forms are much more comprehensive than the old forms and comply more thoroughly with recent changes in the law regarding disability and probate estates.
Now is a good time to review your entire estate plan and to consider replacing your old powers of attorney. Contact us to discuss you best options.
