Power of attorney is the legal authority to make decisions for another person. It’s also the name of the document that grants this authority.
A power of attorney form allows you to choose someone you trust to make choices about your money and health care if you’re unable to do so or if you become “incapacitated” (can’t make your own decisions due to injury, disability, or illness).
Illinois (IL) Power of Attorney Documents
Illinois Power of Attorney for Property
A real estate power of attorney (for a property) is a type of limited power of attorney that allows a person or entity appointed by you to act on your behalf in relation to property issues.
After downloading the document from the list of powers, strike out non-property/real-estate-related powers you do not wish to grant to your agent.
Download: MS Word (.docx) or Adobe PDF
Illinois Power of Attorney for Vehicle Transactions
If you would like to give an agent the power to manage your vehicle-related affairs, you may set up a Illinois DMV power of attorney.
Download: Adobe PDF
How to Get Power of Attorney in Illinois
To set up a power of attorney, both individuals (the agent and the principal) need to fill out a power of attorney form and sign it.
Chapter 755 ILCS 45 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, known as the Illinois Power of Attorney Act, regulates durable statutory powers and powers of attorney for health care within the state.
All forms on this page comply with this chapter of the Illinois estate code.
Illinois POA Requirements
For a power of attorney to be valid, it must adhere to the Illinois Power of Attorney Act and include these basic requirements:
- The Illinois POA document must list the following:
- full contact information and signature of the principal
- name of the agent(s)
- date the agreement is made
- powers granted
- when the powers begin and end
- A notary public must sign the power of attorney document
- Two witnesses must be present when notarizing and signing a power of attorney form
If a principal becomes medically incapacitated or legally incompetent, he or she cannot revoke a power of attorney. Friends and family of the principal will have to go through the court system to remove an agent not acting in good faith.