Power of Attorney Lawyer in Glenview, IL
Protect Your Future with a Legally Sound Power of Attorney
Serving Chicago’s North Shore and Cook County
A Personal Message from Marty
“If there’s one thing I believe every adult should have in place, it’s a Power of Attorney.
Not because you expect something to go wrong — but because life has a way of surprising us.”
Hi, I’m Marty Fogarty, founder of Freedom Trust Services in Glenview. After more than three decades helping families plan for the future, I can tell you this: one of the most stressful things people face is trying to help a loved one who didn’t put a Power of Attorney in place.
If you’re over 18, you need one. It doesn’t matter if you’re healthy, single, married, or retired — a sudden illness, accident, or even travel abroad can make you temporarily or permanently unable to handle your own affairs. With the right POA documents, someone you trust can step in immediately. Without them, your loved ones may be forced to go to court.
Let’s make sure you stay in control, no matter what life brings.
👉 [Schedule a Free Consultation with a POA Lawyer in Glenview]
What Is a Power of Attorney in Illinois?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes someone — called your agent — to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. This person steps into your shoes to handle critical matters when you can’t speak or act for yourself.
In Illinois, there are two primary types of POA:
1. Durable Power of Attorney for Property
This document allows your agent to manage your financial and legal matters, including:
Paying bills, taxes, and insurance premiums
Managing bank, investment, and retirement accounts
Buying or selling real estate
Accessing digital assets and utilities
Handling business interests
✅ Durable means the document remains valid even if you become mentally incapacitated — something many standard documents fail to do.
2. Power of Attorney for Health Care
This document allows your agent to:
Make medical decisions on your behalf
Approve or refuse treatments
Choose care providers or medical facilities
Access your medical records (HIPAA-compliant)
Follow your living will or end-of-life preferences
Without this, your family may be locked out of making urgent medical choices — even if they know what you would have wanted.
Most People Wait Too Long
We often hear:
“I’m healthy. I don’t need this yet.”
“We’ll get to it after the holidays.”
“My spouse can just take care of it.”
Unfortunately, that’s not how the law works in Illinois. Your spouse, child, or parent doesn’t automatically get the legal right to make decisions for you — not even in an emergency.
Without a POA:
Banks may freeze accounts
Doctors may delay treatment
You may be placed into guardianship court — a public, expensive, and emotionally taxing process
That’s why at Freedom Trust Services, we say: Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Why Power of Attorney Is a Core Part of Estate Planning
Many people think of estate planning as something that kicks in after death — but some of the most critical legal tools are used while you’re still alive.
Power of Attorney is essential for:
Business owners who need someone to act in their absence
Parents who want to ensure continuity of care for children
Seniors planning for long-term care or declining health
Young professionals or college students — especially if studying or traveling abroad
Married couples — who often assume (incorrectly) they can act for each other automatically
At Freedom Trust Services, we ensure that POA documents are not only legally binding in Illinois, but also practical, clear, and accepted by the institutions that matter: banks, hospitals, and real estate offices.
What Makes Our POA Documents Different?
Illinois does provide statutory POA forms — but generic templates leave families exposed to risk.
We take it further by offering:
Customization: We tailor each POA to your family structure, financial landscape, and medical wishes.
Clarity: We eliminate legalese so you and your agent know exactly what to expect.
Authority: We ensure your POA will be accepted by institutions and providers in Illinois.
Integration: Your POA is coordinated with your will, trust, and overall estate plan.
Accessibility: We store your documents digitally for quick access in an emergency.
Ongoing Support: Need to update your agent? Want to change the powers granted? We offer unlimited updates and annual reviews.
“You’re not just filling out a form. You’re creating a shield that protects you and your family from confusion, courtrooms, and chaos.”
Real-Life Examples: Why You Need Power of Attorney
Scenario 1: Stroke Without POA
A healthy 55-year-old man suffers a stroke. His wife is locked out of their joint investment accounts. The hospital won’t release medical records. She’s forced to petition the court for guardianship — a 3-month ordeal.
✅ With POA in place, she would have had immediate authority to act.
Scenario 2: College Student in Surgery
A 19-year-old college student in Chicago is in surgery after a bike accident. His parents can’t access medical information because he’s legally an adult.
✅ With a health care POA and HIPAA release, the hospital could speak to them right away.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Power of Attorney?
In Illinois, the default fallback is guardianship court — a formal legal process where a judge appoints someone to make decisions for you.
This involves:
Court filings and fees
Hearings before a judge
Ongoing court oversight and annual reporting
No guarantee your loved one will be chosen
And it’s all public.
🛑 Don’t let the court decide who manages your health or your finances.
✅ Choose your agent now — while you still can.
FAQs: Illinois Power of Attorney
Q: Is Power of Attorney permanent?
A: No. You can revoke or update your POA at any time while you have capacity.
Q: Can I name more than one agent?
A: Yes. You can name co-agents or successors. We’ll help you structure this for clarity and effectiveness.
Q: Does POA give someone power over everything?
A: Only what you allow. We draft your document to give clear limits or instructions as needed.
Q: Is a POA from another state valid in Illinois?
A: It may be, but banks and hospitals often hesitate. If you’ve moved to Illinois, we recommend a local review.
Q: Will hospitals and banks accept my POA?
A: If you use a generic or outdated template, maybe not. Our documents are drafted to be recognized and accepted across institutions.
What It’s Like to Work With Us
At Freedom Trust Services, we make the POA process easy, human, and legally sound.
Here’s how it works:
✅ Step 1: Consultation — We talk through your situation, goals, and family structure
✅ Step 2: Drafting — We create POAs that reflect your wishes and align with Illinois law
✅ Step 3: Signing & Storage — We supervise legal execution and provide digital access
✅ Step 4: Updates Anytime — Life changes, and your POA should adapt with it
You’re in control — we just help make it official.
Trusted by Families Throughout Glenview and Chicago
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Clear, professional, and incredibly helpful — I now feel confident that my daughter can step in if anything happens.”
– Thomas G., Glenview
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I didn’t realize how important a POA was until Marty explained it. Now I feel at ease.”
– Michelle R., Northbrook
Start Your Power of Attorney in Illinois Today
Whether you’re 28 or 88, it’s never too early — but it can be too late.
Let us help you get this done — the right way, with care and clarity.
📞 Call now or book your free consultation with a Power of Attorney lawyer at Freedom Trust Services in Glenview.
Don’t let a judge decide who speaks for you. You decide. Today.
👉 [Schedule My Power of Attorney Consultation]
