In plain English: the legal document that allows another person (the “agent”) to make decisions on your behalf — either generally or only for specified matters.
There are two common types in Illinois:
- Healthcare — healthcare decisions (see below)
- Property (durable) — property & financial decisions (see below)
What this means for you: a well-drafted POA is the alternative to guardianship: it keeps decision-making in the family instead of in court. If you become incapacitated without one, your family may need guardianship proceedings; with one, the agent steps in.
“Durable” is the word that matters: a durable POA stays effective even if you become incapacitated. A non-durable one dies the moment you can’t act — exactly when you’d need it.
Watch out for: a POA ends at death. It does not replace a will. And it can be revoked by you at any time while you’re competent. Keep the original safe and tell your agent where it is.