Many people believe that having a will is enough to protect their interests and manage their affairs. However, a will and a power of attorney serve different purposes in estate planning. An Illinois estate planning lawyer can explain why you might need both documents and how they work together to protect your future.
What to Consider About Wills and Powers of Attorney
A will is a legally binding document that states how your assets should be divided once you are no longer alive. It becomes effective only after you pass away. On the other hand, a power of attorney (POA) is a document that authorizes someone to make decisions on your behalf while you are still alive. There are two main types of POAs:
- Healthcare power of attorney: This enables your agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so yourself.