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What is a Power of Attorney?

What is a Power of Attorney (POA) and Why Do I Need One?

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What is a Power of Attorney (POA) and Why Do I Need One?

 

Navigating life's unexpected challenges can be difficult, particularly when handling crucial personal affairs. In these unforeseen moments, the significance of a Power of Attorney (POA) cannot be overstated. Establishing a POA provides a formal way to safeguard your interests and alleviate potential burdens on your loved ones while shielding them from undue obstacles. North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) provides free POA clinics to the community year-round. You can find upcoming POA clinics HERE or by calling 847 737-4042. NSLAC also offers free legal services in the areas of immigration, housing, and domestic violence. Learn more about what to expect at a Power of Attorney clinic HERE. 

What is a Power of Attorney?  

The term Power of Attorney, also known as a POA, refers to a legal document that gives another person (the “Agent”) the ability to make health care or financial/property decisions on your behalf if you (the “Principal”) become incapacitated or unable to make decisions on your own. 

Who can be my Agent? 

Your Agent can be a family member, friend, or other person who is: 

  • Over the age of 18, 
  • Able to make his or her own decisions, 
  • Knows you well, 
  • You have confidence that this person will act in your best interests and follow through with your wishes, even if they may not personally agree with them, 
  • Willing to be there for you and is open to taking on this important role. 

What are the different types of Power of Attorney?  

There are several types of power of attorney, each serving a specific purpose. However, the two most common types include POA for Healthcare and POA for Property.  

A POA for healthcare is a document that grants the agent the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of the principal in case they are unable to do so.  

A POA for property is a legal document that allows an agent to manage financial and legal matters on the principal's behalf. This may include handling banking transactions, managing investments, paying bills, buying, or selling real estate, and making legal decisions related to financial matters. 

Find additional POA resources below.

What does the Power of Attorney process look like? 

The power of attorney process involves:  

  1. Choosing an agent: Selecting a trustworthy individual to act on your behalf.
  2. Drafting the document: Outlining the specific powers and conditions of the POA. 
  3. Signing and notarizing: Executing the document in compliance with legal requirements. 
  4. Distributing copies: Providing copies to relevant parties, such as your Agent, your bank, your primary care physician and anyone other than your regular doctor.

Why are Powers of Attorney important?  

A Power of Attorney provides individuals with peace of mind and authority when faced with the unexpected. Once a POA is set in motion, the chosen agent assumes the responsibility of making medical and financial decisions in accordance with the principal's wishes. Without careful planning, these difficult decisions could be entrusted to family members, friends, or the state. 

Can NSLAC help me set up a Power of Attorney? 

Yes, North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic offers year-round POA clinics at surrounding community senior centers, public libraries, and community colleges. Our attorneys provide free legal assistance in drafting and notarizing POAs for health care and property management to community members living in north suburban Cook County, IL, or Lake County, IL. You can find upcoming POA clinics HERE or by calling 847 737-4042. NSLAC also offers free legal services in the areas of immigration, housing, and domestic violence. 

POA Resources:

ILAO POA Health Care Easy Form: This program will help you prepare your POA for healthcare documents. At the end of the program, you will get a completed set of POA for healthcare documents with instructions that you can save and print.

ILAO POA Property Easy Form: This program will help you prepare your POA for property documents. At the end of the program, you will get a completed set of POA for property documents with instructions that you can save and print.

The information in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed between NSLAC and the reader. NSLAC is not liable for any action taken or not taken based on this blog. Readers should contact an attorney with any questions regarding the content.

TPS for Ukraine 2025

TPS for Ukraine: Frequently Asked Questions

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TPS for Ukraine 2025: Frequently Asked Questions

Ukrainian TPS 2025 Update

On January 10, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an 18‑month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainian nationals in response to ongoing conditions in Ukraine. This extension enables eligible current beneficiaries to maintain their TPS and employment authorization through the extended period, ensuring continued protection from deportation and work authorization. As of now, specific dates for a new registration or re‑registration period for Ukrainian TPS applicants have not been officially announced. Ukrainian TPS holders are encouraged to prepare for timely re‑registration upon announcement to maintain their benefits 

Stay informed using the DHS and USCIS websites for future updates regarding registration dates, deadlines, and procedural guidance. 

What is TPS?

Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security when the conditions of a foreign country temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely or where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. This may be because of ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster or epidemic, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions.

When do I apply for Ukrainian TPS?

You can apply for TPS during the registration period determined by USCIS.

For Ukraine, the registration period is August 21, 2023 to April 19, 2025.

How do I apply for TPS?

File Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status along with all necessary evidence and fees (or fee waiver form) with USCIS. The filing can either be done online or through the mail. If you also want to apply for employment authorization, you will need to file form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with the necessary evidence and fees (or fee waiver form). The forms, breakdown of fees, instructions for mailing, and other information can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status.

Can I file one TPS I-821 form for my entire family?

No, each person who qualifies for TPS must submit a separate Form I-821. This includes minor children and spouses.

What do I need to file for TPS?

You need identity/nationality evidence, date of entry evidence, and continuous residence evidence.

Examples include:

  • Identity/Nationality: copy of your passport, copy of your birth certificate, and/or any national identity document that has your photograph.
  • Date of Entry: copy of your passport, I-94 Arrival/Departure Record; or copies of documents specified in the Continuous Residence section below.
  • Continuous Residence: leases, utility bills, medical records, mailed correspondence, letters from church/organization to confirm that they have been present in the U.S., etc.

These must include the appropriate dates and the name of the applicant.

Continuous residence requirement starts on August 16, 2023.

How long does TPS take to receive after filing?

Processing times vary greatly depending on country of origin and backlog. You can typically expect to wait between 6 and 18 months.

What are the benefits of TPS?

  • You are not removable from the United States and cannot be detained based on your immigration status.
  • You can obtain employment authorization (EAD.)
  • You may be granted travel authorization.

Can I travel overseas?

You may be granted travel authorization whether you have a pending TPS case, or you have been granted TPS. You must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, while in the U.S. If your request to travel is granted, you will be issued a travel document.

Can I receive public benefits if I have TPS?

You are not eligible for public benefits as a TPS beneficiary, but you may receive public benefits if you maintain parole status while on TPS.

Can I go to school while on TPS?

Yes, TPS beneficiaries can attend colleges and universities while in the U.S. If, however, your TPS status ends while you’re in school, you will need another status (like a student visa) to continue your program.

Is TPS permanent status?

It is not a permanent status and does not lead to lawful permanent residency or citizenship. It is, however, renewable until the Department of Homeland Security terminates the TPS designation for your country.

How can I get permanent status?

To get permanent status, you will need to qualify and apply for a method of relief, such as asylum or a family petition. TPS does not prevent you from applying for other statuses.

How do I maintain TPS status?

Once you are granted TPS, you must re-register during each re-registration period to maintain your status. This means you will complete and file the Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status form during the re-registration period.

Can I ever lose TPS status?

If you travel abroad without receiving travel authorization, you could lose your TPS status. Additionally, if you fail to re-register during the re-registration window, you could also lose status. Lastly, if DHS terminates the program for your country, your status will end.

I already have work authorization. Should I apply for TPS?

Because you can apply for TPS while you have another status, it can be used as a “backup status.” TPS will only end if DHS stops extending the program to your country, so it is typically renewable for many years. If you have TPS as a “backup status” and something happens to your other status that provides your work authorization, you won’t be removable and will remain in lawful status.

What happens if my TPS application is not processed before my current status expires?

While your TPS application is pending, you will not accrue unlawful status. Once your TPS is approved, you will be authorized to work.

 If I am granted TPS, when do I need to renew my TPS status?

On your TPS approval notice, there will be an expiration date that indicates when you need to renew. We recommend you file your renewal at least 6 months prior to the expiration date.

What if I have other questions?

This FAQ guide is meant to provide general information. We recommend speaking with a qualified immigration attorney about your options.

Can NSLAC help me apply for TPS?

Yes. Making legal assistance accessible to all communities is our priority. NSLAC hosts TPS clinics regularly and in a variety of accessible locations, ensuring that residents of north suburban Cook County and Lake County have convenient access to these vital services. If you or someone you know needs legal assistance, please be in touch with NSLAC at 847 737 4042 or email info@nslegalaid.org. NSLAC also offers free legal services in the areas of housing and domestic violence. Interpreters are available upon request in all languages. Services are available regardless of immigration status.

The information in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed between NSLAC and the reader. NSLAC is not liable for any action taken or not taken based on this blog. Readers should contact an attorney with any questions regarding the content.

Apple iOS 17 Safety Updates

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Learn about Apple's latest iOS 17 updates and the safety measures at-risk victims can take to protect themselves. A special thank you to EndTAB for providing us with these important updates to share with the public and ensure that victims and communities know the safety measures they can take using their phones.

Feature #1: Contact Posters

What are Contact Posters?

Contact Posters are Apple's latest approach to personalizing calls. Think of them as dynamic business cards for when you're calling someone already saved in your address book. You can embellish this "card" with a photo or Memoji, choose a custom font and color, and make calls uniquely yours. These posters will pop up in multiple places, such as during a call or when sharing your contact via apps like NameDrop.  Put another way, the caller can make a photo of their choosing show up on the recipient’s phone.

What’s The Risk?

Picture this: A victim receives a call from an abusive ex, and instead of just a name or number popping up, they're exposed to an unsettling, threatening or inappropriate image. With Contact Posters, callers have the power to dictate what image appears during a call, potentially giving bad actors yet another new (and sneaky) avenue for harassment or intimidation. We need less of these abusive loopholes - not more.

Protecting Victims

First, we need to make folks aware of this harassment loophole.  Then we can empower them to prevent it.  Here are 3 ways to make this happen:

1) Block Unwanted Contacts: The first step is the most direct; block the offending contact. To block a phone number, go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts > Add New. When you block a phone number or contact, they can still leave a voicemail, but you won't get a notification.

2) Edit the Caller’s Contact Poster Yourself: As a preventive measure, go to the Contacts app and adjust the Contact Poster for individuals you’re wary of—this could be changed to just their initials or a neutral image. Here’s how:

  • Open the Contacts app on your iPhone.
  • Select the Contact for which you want to make a new Contact Poster.
  • Once selected, tap the ‘Contact Photo & Poster’ option.
  • Now choose the poster using the Photos, Memoji, or Monogram buttons. The Monogram will ensure that just initials show up.
  • When you’re ready, select Done at the top right corner.
  • On the preview page, tap Continue.  That’s it!

3) Enable Sensitive Content Warning: Apparently, Apple saw this loophole coming and you can turn on their new Sensitive Content Warning feature (more on that below) that will blur any nude images coming through.  This won't prevent threatening images though.

Overall, this plugs a very important leak that someone in the victim's contacts could exploit to expose them to harmful or traumatic images without having to text or AirDrop it to them.

Feature #2: Sensitive Content Feature

Sensitive Content Warning: What is it?

Finally, Apple has heeded the call for more proactive protective measures against unwanted explicit content. If the Sensitive Content Warning feature detects a photo or video that appears to contain nudity - it gets blurred and displays a warning that the content appears to be sensitive, and offers ways to get help.  This way, users get a heads-up about potentially nude photos or videos across a range of applications including Messages, AirDrop, FaceTime Messages, and even the aforementioned Contact Posters.

The Technology Behind It:

Apple uses on-device machine learning to scan and analyze media, ensuring user privacy by not sending or storing any data off the device.

Protecting Victims:

This tool can be a game-changer in the fight against cyberflashing. But you have to turn it on!!  Here's how to activate it:

iPhone:

> Go to Settings.

> Navigate to Privacy & Security.

> Select Sensitive Content Warning and toggle it on. (this will activate it on a paired Apple Watch too)

Mac:

> Choose the Apple menu  > System Settings.

> From the sidebar, select Privacy & Security.

> Scroll down and select Sensitive Content Warning.

> Turn on Sensitive Content Warning.

Feature 3: Voice Cloning

What is ‘Personal Voice’?

Personal Voice is a new feature in iOS 17 that creates a copy of your voice and anything you type into your iPhone will be read aloud in your voice. It can also read out on-screen content or any other data stored on the phone in your own voice. Instead of your iPhone using a Siri voice - it can use your voice. During voice and FaceTime calls, all the text you type will be read out loud in your own voice.

Why Apple Created it

Apple created the new feature to let “users at risk of losing their ability to speak to create a voice that sounds like them.” For example, people living with ALS, vocal cord hemorrhage, laryngeal cancer, and multiple sclerosis have a high risk of losing their voice.

What’s The Risk?

Here’s where my mind goes:  A victim clones their voice (willingly or is pressured), and then their partner can impersonate them in a variety of ways.  For example, they could leave fake voicemails, bypass voice identification (like with Banks), sabotage relationships, their job and more.  Basically, there are a ton of ways to harm someone if you control their voice.

How does it work?

The set up process takes a bit.  You have to be recorded answering 150 questions, which will then be used to create the cloned voice.  The computation process can take hours, at which time you’ll be notified the when the voice is ready.

Protecting Victims

First, from a prevention perspective, we need to make folks interested in this feature aware of the misuse implications. Discuss the benefits and risks, so people can make an informed decision about creating a voice or not.  This feature is also an interesting way to discuss consent, boundaries and safety in relationships:

  • Trust & Boundaries: How would you feel if your partner could use your voice when you left the room or were asleep?
  • Consent:  Does letting your partner use your phone to type things in your voice once mean they can do it in the future when you’re not around?
  • Safety:  If you learned your partner used your voice to leave a voicemail on a friend’s phone, how would you feel?

Second, from a safety planning perspective, we need to ask victims if they have cloned their voice on their phone.  If yes, we need to talk through potential impersonation risks and help them turn it off if they choose to do so:

To Delete on an iPhone or iPad

  • Open the Settings app. Tap Accessibility, then tap Personal Voice.
  • Tap the Personal Voice that you want to delete.
  • Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, or enter your passcode.
  • Tap Delete Voice, then tap Delete Voice And Recordings to confirm.

To Delete On a Mac

  • Choose Apple menu  > System Settings, click Accessibility in the sidebar, then click Personal Voice.
  • Click the Show Detail button next to the Personal Voice that you want to delete.
  • Enter your password.
  • Click Delete Voice, then click Delete Voice And Recordings to confirm.

Feature 4: Check In

Check In: What is it?

Check In is a new iPhone feature designed to allow users to share their real-time location and status with specific contacts. It was built with the intent of automatically helping individuals let their loved ones know they're safe, especially during times of crisis or emergency situations.

How it Works: The Benefits

If used as intended, this feature is designed to automate letting people in a victim’s network know where they are, that they arrived safely or if they’ve been delayed - which can be very useful if someone is worried about being followed or encountering trouble on their way to work, court or another important destination.

Checking in can be accomplished a few different ways:

Manual Check In: Once set up, you can manually activate 'Check In' whenever you feel the need to share your location or status with specific contacts.  You can specify your destination, how you’re traveling (driving, transit, or walking), and add extra time if needed.

From there, Check In monitors your journey and notifies your friend if your iPhone isn’t progressing for an extended period of time or if it doesn’t reach your destination as expected, and the details of your iPhone’s journey will be sent to your friend. When you arrive at your destination successfully, the Check In automaticallycompletes and notifies your friend that your iPhone has arrived.

Automatic Alerts: You can set up specific times for automatic check-ins. For example, if you don’t check in by a certain time, like if you’re meeting someone new or on a date, the app can notify your contacts.

The Risks

When misused, this feature gives abusive partners a new tool to monitor and control a victim in different ways:

Nonconsensual Monitoring: Abusive partners, through power and control, may openly demand that the victim uses the 'Check In' feature frequently, effectively tracking their every move.

Forced Check-ins: An abusive individual might force their partner to use the feature to 'prove' their whereabouts.

Manipulation: They might claim they're worried for the victim's safety as a guise to monitor their activities. This can mask their desire for control as concern.

Fear: Knowing that they can be tracked, the victim may feel pressured to avoid certain places or people, further isolating them from potential sources of help or comfort.

Protecting Victims

Again, from a prevention perspective, this can be an engaging way to discuss consent, boundaries and safety in a healthy relationship.

Consent: Agreeing to share your location because your partner pressures you (or they share there location with you) is not an example of giving consent (aka permission) freely.

Boundaries: If you feel uncomfortable doing this, it likely signals a boundary is being tested or violated.

Safety: Does sharing your location with your partner make you feel safe?  What about if they question why you didn’t get to work at the usual time because your phone alerted them you got delayed?

From a safety planning posture, it’s important to see if they use Check In with their partner and walk through the unintended consequences of canceling the Check In or failing to Check In with them in the future.  Will this create an unsafe situation and, if so, how can we ensure the victim’s safety is enhanced during this period?

Here’s how you cancel a Check-In:

  • Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
  • Open the conversation with the friend you sent a Check In to.
  • On the Check In message, tap Details, then tap Cancel Check In and confirm.

UPDATE: Biden Administration Grant Work Permits and Temporary Relief from Deportation to Nearly Half a Million Venezuelans

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On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, the Biden administration confirmed that it will grant work permits and temporary relief from deportation to nearly half a million Venezuelans who are already in the U.S. Venezuelans who were in the U.S. as of July 31 can sign up for Temporary Protected Status, or TPS. If you need assistance, please call NSLAC at 847 737 4042.

Venezuelan TPS Update Eng
Venezuelan TPS Update Spanish

Rebecca Weininger Joins WTTW to Discuss Warning Signs and Resources Available to Survivors

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Thank you to WTTW News for shining a light on domestic violence. As part of their WTTW News: A Safer City series, Sheerine Alemzadeh of Healing to Action; Stephanie Love-Patterson of Connections for Abused Women and their Children; Rebecca Weininger, director of domestic violence law practice at North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic; and Danielle Ruffatto of the Family Law & Protective Orders Division at Ascend Justice joined “Chicago Tonight” to discuss warning signs and resources available to survivors.

Know Your Rights – Request a NSLAC Presentation

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On July 12 and 13, NSLAC Housing Staff Attorney Lizzy Temkin and Housing Outreach and Resource Coordinator Kadir Castellanos joined POC (Partners for Our Communities) to present a virtual live Know Your Rights presentation about tenants’ rights, the eviction process, advice for tenants, and rental assistance available. Watch the full presentation HERE.

Interested in requesting an NSLAC presentation or clinic? NSLAC welcomes the opportunity to help your organization access vital legal resources and knowledge. Click HERE to learn more.

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic Promotes Ilana Forbes to Director of Operations

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North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Ilana Forbes from Senior Staff Attorney to the role of Director of Operations. She has been an integral part of the NSLAC team for over three years, during which she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to providing access to justice to those in need. She is an accomplished attorney and mediator with experience in the legal community and not-for-profit sector. Ilana brings a unique blend of legal expertise and operational acumen to the role of Operations Director.  

In her new role as Director of Operations, Ilana will oversee the daily operations at NSLAC, ensuring the efficient delivery of legal aid to residents in need in northern Cook County, IL, and Lake County, IL. She will be responsible for coordinating support and technology for the three legal teams, Pro Bono team, and other support staff while strengthening partnerships in the community. She succeeds longtime NSLAC Operations Director Jan Baranczak, who announced plans to move out of state in May.  

“NSLAC is thrilled to promote Ilana Forbes to the position of Director of Operations. She has consistently demonstrated her exceptional legal skills, leadership abilities, and unwavering dedication to our mission,” said Executive Director Susan Shulman. “We are confident that Ilana will excel in her new role, driving NSLAC’s operations forward and making a lasting impact on the lives of our clients and the communities we serve.” 

Throughout her career, Ilana has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advocating for those in need of access to justice. Ilana was a volunteer mediator for self-represented litigants and a certified arbitrator in the 19th Judicial Circuit. Ilana is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution and the Lake County Bar Association. She is active in the Barrington community, serving as a volunteer in various local organizations. 

Ilana received her J.D. and Certificate in Family Law from DePaul University College of Law, a B.A. in Public Policy and Psychology from Duke University, and she earned a Certificate in Mediation Skills and a Certificate in Divorce Mediation from Northwestern University School of Professional Studies. 

Housing On The News: CCSD21 and NSLAC Team Up To Present Tenant Rights Workshop

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NSLAC is proud to partner with school districts to promote tenant rights and support families in need. Joining forces with our community schools provides us with the opportunity to educate and empower families with valuable information in an accessible and safe environment.
 
Special thanks to CCSD21 for collaborating with us and highlighting our work together. We firmly believe that by providing this vital knowledge to families, we can strengthen communities, foster fairness, and create a more equitable housing environment for everyone. Together, we can help families build stable and secure homes and help those in need go on to live productive and secure lives.
 

Rebecca Weininger Named Legal Advocate of The Year by the Purple Ribbon Award

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Director of Domestic Violence Rebecca Weininger has been selected as the winner of a coveted Purple Ribbon Award medallion in the category Legal Advocate of the Year by Domestic Shelters.

The Purple Ribbon Awards are the first comprehensive awards program honoring the countless heroes of the domestic violence movement, including advocates, programs, shelters, survivors, and members of the community support system. Winners include entries from the United States and Canada.

$30,000 worth of grants will be awarded to exemplary Purple Ribbon Award winners during a virtual celebration of all winners on May 18, 2023. The celebration will share grant winner stories and celebrate the work being done to help victims and survivors of abuse. Register to join us at the Purple Ribbon Awards Virtual Celebration on May 18 at https://bit.ly/41QqJSS