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Chicago Power of Attorney Services for Property

The Durable Power of Attorney for Property is relatively simple. It allows you to select a trusted agent to handle your financial transactions during any period of your disability or incompetence without the necessity of anyone petitioning the probate court for formal guardianship of your estate.

Durable Powers of Attorney for Property are durable because they survive your subsequent incapacity, as opposed to regular powers of attorney, like one you would give to someone to sign your name at a house closing that you are unable to attend. The authority given in a regular power of attorney is automatically terminated upon incapacity.

The purpose of a Durable Power of Attorney for Property is to survive your incapacity and allow your agent (a.k.a proxy) to sign your name to business transactions, such as paying your bills, without the need for a court order. Your Durable Power of Attorney for Property can become effective immediately; or, in many cases, it is a springing power that only goes into effect at some later time. One example of a springing power: “This Power of Attorney shall become effective when a majority of my wife and adult children certify in writing along with my attending physician who has personally examined me, that in their judgment I am unable properly to manage my financial affairs due to mental or physical disabilities.” For any power of attorney to be official, whether or not it is durable, you must sign it while you are competent. In most jurisdictions, it must also be notarized, which means that a notary must be present to attest to your signature as the principal. In Illinois an independent witness must also attest to your signature.

What Our Chicago Clients Are Saying About Us

Donna M.
Thank you very much Johannah and Lee. I can't tell you how much you helped make a difficult situation a bit more bearable. Prior to hiring you, I was at my wit's end. Having you in my corner was a total game changer. Thank you very, very much.
S. B.
Dear Eric, I just want you to know how much I appreciate everything you've done for me and the thoroughness with which you did it. You are indeed a most impressive will-maker, including the the serendipitous coverage your "compulsivity" supplies. You truly lift the experience from the quotidian to an art-form. In addition, you are a real mensch, in its best sense: open, warm, caring, understanding and honest. Again, my thanks to you and your staff for your help. With best wishes, S.B
Gina M.
Eric and Julie: On behalf of the Edgebrook Women's Club would like to thank you and express our gratitude for your wonderfully informative presentation to our group. As was evident from the many questions your information was needed, very well received and your situational examples registered with many in the audience. Thank you again for providing a much needed and informative presentation.
Susan H.
"Eric, Thanks again for helping me get this signed and completed. It's a big comfort knowing that my will and estate is in order. Thank you again for your generosity and friendship. I really appreciate being able to get this taken care of and with a certain level of confidence. I trust you and feel really comfortable with your advice. I've already referred some friends to you. I will continue to be your advocate and biggest fan!"
Ken B.
"We felt very comfortable with both attorneys. We would feel comfortable if we had to call to have questions answered. The atmosphere with Mr. Matlin was great, and we left the office feeling positive about something that is so important to us."