Living Will Attorney
Estate planning consists of much more than simply creating a will. One critical document that belongs in every estate plan is a power of attorney for health care.
Powers of attorney for health care designate an agent for decisions on medical treatment
Powers of attorney for health care are a way for you to designate an agent who can make medical decisions on your behalf when you’re incapacitated and unable to voice your opinion. Your doctor will turn to your designated agent first for answers on your care when you’re unable to communicate. The agent has broad authority to:
- Accept or decline treatment
- Admit or discharge you from a hospital or other facility
- Get access to all of your medical records
- Make decisions with regards to end of life decisions
- Carry out your wishes to be cremated or buried
You can get the Illinois power of attorney by clicking here. As with all of your estate planning documents, don’t just sign them and leave them in a drawer or safety deposit box. After signing the healthcare power of attorney, provide it to your doctor. The doctor then will have this document as part of his/her file and be ready to work with your agent at the appropriate time.
A Living Will Is A Backup Document to your Power of Attorney for Health Care
A living will is a legally-binding document that notifies your treating physician of your wishes regarding end-of-life medical care when you are unable to communicate with them directly. A living will is only used when you have been diagnosed with a terminal condition and have become unconscious or are otherwise too sick to communicate regarding your medical care. These documents allow you to specify that you do not wish to receive certain forms of medical care that will allow you to live longer but not heal you.
A living will and health care power of attorney seem similar, but notice some key differences:
| Power of Attorney for Health Care | Living Will |
| Illinois specific | Common Law – Effective in most states. |
| Empowers an agent… | Instructs a physician… |
| to make decisions from every day care to end of life decisions | your wishes for end of life decisions |
Skilled estate planning for Chicagoland residents
The thorough and professional Chicago estate planning attorneys at MacDonald, Lee & Senechalle have provided decades of guidance to Illinois residents creating end-of-life legal documents. Our seasoned living will attorney will walk you through the process of creating a living will that most accurately represents your wishes and prevents you from receiving unwanted treatments or procedures.
Contact Our Attorneys for Comprehensive Estate Planning & Living Wills
For assistance in creating an estate plan that provides peace of mind and financial support for your loved ones, contact a seasoned and effective Chicagoland living will attorney at MacDonald, Lee & Senechalle for a consultation, in Hoffman Estates at 847-310-0025, or in Des Plaines at 847-298-5030.