Homepage Attorney-Approved Power of Attorney Document Attorney-Approved Durable Power of Attorney Document Free Durable Power of Attorney Template for the State of Illinois

Form Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Definition The Illinois Durable Power of Attorney form allows an individual to designate someone to make financial and legal decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated.
Governing Law This form is governed by the Illinois Power of Attorney Act (755 ILCS 45/2-1 et seq.).
Durability The "durable" aspect means that the authority granted remains effective even if the principal becomes mentally incompetent.
Agent's Authority The agent can perform a wide range of actions, including managing bank accounts, paying bills, and handling real estate transactions.
Revocation The principal can revoke the Durable Power of Attorney at any time, as long as they are still mentally competent.

Sample - Illinois Durable Power of Attorney Form

Illinois Durable Power of Attorney

This document is created in accordance with the Illinois Power of Attorney Act, 755 ILCS 45/2-1 et seq. It allows you to designate another person to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.

Principal Information:

  • Name: ________________________________
  • Address: ______________________________
  • City: _________________________________
  • State: ________________________________
  • ZIP Code: _____________________________

Agent Information:

  • Name: ________________________________
  • Address: ______________________________
  • City: _________________________________
  • State: ________________________________
  • ZIP Code: _____________________________

Durable Power of Attorney Grant:

I, the undersigned Principal, hereby appoint the above-listed Agent to act on my behalf in accordance with the authority specified below:

  1. To manage my financial affairs.
  2. To make healthcare decisions on my behalf.
  3. To handle my property and assets.
  4. To initiate and settle claims or litigation.

Effective Date: This Durable Power of Attorney shall become effective immediately and shall remain in effect until revoked by me or my death.

Sunset Clause: This document shall continue in effect regardless of my disability.

Signature: ____________________________________

Date: __________________

Witnesses:

  • 1. ___________________________________
  • 2. ___________________________________

This document must be signed in the presence of the witnesses, and notarization is recommended for additional legal strength.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Illinois Durable Power of Attorney form can be straightforward, but many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to complications. One frequent error is failing to clearly identify the principal. The principal is the person granting authority. If their name is misspelled or incomplete, it may create confusion about who the document pertains to.

Another mistake involves not specifying the powers granted to the agent. The form allows for broad or limited powers, and failing to clearly outline these can lead to misunderstandings later. It is crucial to detail what decisions the agent can make on behalf of the principal, whether it be financial, medical, or both.

Many people overlook the importance of having the document properly witnessed. In Illinois, the Durable Power of Attorney must be signed in the presence of a witness. If this step is skipped, the form may not be considered valid. Ensure that witnesses are not related to the principal or the agent to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.

Another common oversight is neglecting to date the document. A Durable Power of Attorney is only effective if it is dated. Without a date, it may be difficult to determine when the powers were granted, which can lead to disputes about the validity of the agent’s authority.

Lastly, individuals often forget to keep copies of the completed form. After the Durable Power of Attorney is filled out and signed, it is essential to provide copies to the agent and any relevant institutions, such as banks or healthcare providers. This ensures that the agent can act on behalf of the principal without unnecessary delays.