What is an estate plan?

An estate plan is a set of legal documents and instructions that outlines what should happen in the event of a person’s death or disability. In the state of Illinois, an estate plan will typically include a will, a power of attorney, and healthcare directives. A will is a legal document that outlines how a person’s assets will be distributed after their death. It is important to create a will to ensure that your wishes are carried out and that your assets are distributed according to your specifications. A power of attorney is a document that assigns someone the authority to act on your behalf should you become incapacitated. This person is chosen by you and is able to make decisions according to what you would want if you were able. Healthcare directives are documents that give instructions about the type of medical care you would like if you become incapacitated. These directives let your healthcare providers know what kind of treatment you would prefer. By creating an estate plan, you can ensure that your wishes will be carried out after your death or disability. An estate plan reflects your values and goals and will help provide comfort and security to your family and heirs.

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