Free Legal Aid

Free Short-Term Guardianship & Power of Attorney Clinic in City of Rolling Meadows

Make sure your family is prepared for any situation. Join NSLAC and the Rolling Meadows Human Services Department for a free, in-person clinic where participants can complete the necessary documentation to designate a Power of Attorney or establish Temporary Legal Guardianship for their children. Participants will walk out with notarized and legally binding documents

Are you a parent worried about who will care for your child in case of an emergency or unexpected event? Short-term guardianships allow parents to plan for the care of their minor children without needing to go to court.

Date: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Contact Marisol Gonzalez at 847-870-2695 for more info or to reserve your spot.
Free Legal Aid

Free Power of Attorney Clinic at The City of Rolling Meadows

The City of Rolling Meadows Human Services Department is partnering with NSLAC to offer a free Power of Attorney Clinic. At this clinic, participants can complete the necessary documentation to designate someone for Medical Power of Attorney, Financial Power of Attorney, or Temporary Legal Guardianship. Participants will be able to walk out with notarized and legally binding documents.

Date: Friday, January 24, 2025
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: City Hall, Rolling Meadows
To register or for more info, contact Marisol Gonzalez at 847-870-2695.
Free Legal Aid

Volunteers Needed: POA and Short-Term Guardianship Clinic at Rolling Meadows

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic and the City of Rolling Meadows Human Services Department have partnered to host a free Power of Attorney & Short-Term Guardianship clinic. We are looking for volunteers to assist low-income community members complete the necessary documentation to have a designated person(s) for Power of Attorney (Medical and/or Financial) and/or Temporary Legal Guardianship.

Mark your calendars! This volunteer opportunity is happening on Friday, November 15th, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Rolling Meadows City Hall (Second Floor), located at 3600 Kirchoff Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008.

No prior experience with powers of attorney or short-term guardianships is required. Training and CLE credit is available for this opportunity. 

Interested in this volunteer opportunity? Register and learn HERE.

Rolling Meadows Legal Aid
Free Legal Aid

Free Informational Session: Power of Attorney and Short-Term Guardianship

Join NSLAC and the City of Rolling Meadows Human Services Department for a free informational session on Powers of Attorney (POA) and Short-term Guardianships. This clinic will provide helpful information and answer questions regarding POAs and Short-term Guardianships. Please join us for our Power of Attorney (POA) and Short-term Guardianship clinic HERE.

Date and Time: Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Location: City Hall (Second Floor) 3600 Kirchoff Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

To register or for more information contact Marisol Gonzalez at 847-870-2695

Free POA Clinic
Pro Bono Opportunity

Free Power of Attorney Clinic at Glenview Library

On Thursday, September 19th, 2024, North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) will be at the Glenview Public Library to provide free legal assistance drafting Powers of Attorney (POA) for health care and property management. 

To sign up, please be in touch with our team via email at probono@nslegalaid.org or call us at (847) 737-4042.

Location: Glenview Public Library

1930 Glenview Road, Glenview, IL 60025

Date: Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Time: 3:00-6:00 PM

Free Power of Attorney Clinic at Glenview Library
Pro Bono Opportunity

Pro Bono Opportunity: POA Clinic at Niles Township

In partnership with Niles Township, North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic is pleased to host a free Power of Attorney for healthcare and property on Thursday, May 9th, from 4:00 pm. – 7:00 pm.

Powers of Attorney allow a person to name an “Agent” to help with medical and financial decisions in the event of a person’s incapacity. While powers of attorney are very important to anyone, they are especially important to those leaving high school to enter college or the workforce.  Volunteers will meet with people to execute powers of attorney for healthcare and property. Each attorney will meet with, at most, three clients during the clinic to help draft powers of attorney. Training for CLE credit will be provided virtually or in person. A video outlining what to expect at a POA clinic can be found here: https://youtu.be/eSLiI9wT5x8.

A virtual training was held live on April 4th, in case you missed it, you can find the recorded training HERE. This training is eligible for CLE credit. 

To volunteer, email probono@nslegalaid.org.

Pro Bono Opportunity

Pro Bono Opportunity: POA Clinic at New Trier Township

In partnership with New Trier Township, North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic is pleased to host a free Power of Attorney for healthcare and property on Thursday, April 18th, from 4:00 pm. – 7:00 pm.

Powers of Attorney allow a person to name an “Agent” to help with medical and financial decisions in the event of a person’s incapacity. While powers of attorney are very important to anyone, they are especially important to those leaving high school to enter college or the workforce.  Volunteers will meet with people to execute powers of attorney for healthcare and property. Each attorney will meet with, at most, three clients during the clinic to help draft powers of attorney. Training for CLE credit will be provided virtually or in-person.  A video outlining what to expect at a POA clinic can be found here:  https://youtu.be/eSLiI9wT5x8. A virtual training was held live on April 4th, in case you missed it, you can find the recorded training HERE. This training is eligible for CLE credit. 

To volunteer, email probono@nslegalaid.org.

What is a Power of Attorney?

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

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.