Protecting Your Rights
Powers of Attorney can be one of the most important (and least expensive) documents a person can create as part of his or her overall estate plan. In the event that you are unable to make decisions on your own, a power of attorney grants another person the right to act on your behalf. At my law firm — the Law Offices of Russell E. Baldwin Chartered — I work closely with clients to help them create a power of attorney that reflects their needs.
From my offices in Naperville and St. Charles, I represent clients throughout the Western Suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. I have 28 years of experience helping clients plan for their future. Contact me online or call 630-717-4552 to schedule your appointment.
Understandings Powers of Attorney
Powers of attorney are documents that should be put in place before you are ill and certainly while you are competent to do so. Unfortunately, they are often omitted when people are preparing their estate plan.
A power of attorney can be limited to certain acts (or property) or expanded beyond the statutory format. When a power of attorney is designed to continue if a person becomes incapacitated, it is said to be a "durable" power of attorney. Normally, a power of attorney becomes null and void upon the death of the person who created the power. A healthcare power of attorney allows a designated person to make healthcare-related decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
Working With Someone You Trust
The downside of a power of attorney is the giving up of the exclusive right to act on your own behalf. There is inherent danger in giving a third party the right to access you property or assets, but an experienced lawyer can help you choose a person who will always act in your best interest. Contact me online or call 630-717-4552 to schedule your appointment with a professional you can trust.