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HLG estate-planning guides · Illinois & Missouri

Powers of attorney and health care decisions

Estate planning is not only about what happens after death. It is also a chance to decide who you would trust to help with financial matters or medical decisions during your lifetime.

Financial authority and medical authority are different

A financial power of attorney authorizes an agent to act within the powers granted by the document. A health care power of attorney addresses medical decisions. The authority, timing, and limits depend on the document and applicable law; these are not interchangeable forms. The Illinois State Bar guide explains property and health care powers separately.

A durable financial power of attorney is intended to continue through incapacity when properly prepared. It does not make the agent the executor of your estate, and powers of attorney generally terminate at death. See the Missouri Bar’s discussion of durable powers.

Choose the person, then discuss the powers

Start by considering judgment, reliability, availability, and willingness to follow your wishes. Think about a backup as well. We can discuss whether the same person makes sense for both roles and how to address the limits you want.

Some financial powers require special attention and express authorization, including certain gifts, beneficiary changes, and trust-related actions under Missouri law. Do not assume a general form grants everything your agent might need. The Missouri Bar guide identifies examples of these specially stated powers.

Health care instructions add another layer

Naming a decision-maker and stating your treatment preferences serve related but different purposes. A health care directive or living will can communicate instructions, while a health care power of attorney appoints an agent. State-specific terms and requirements matter; see the Illinois overview and the Missouri guidance.

Prepare for your meeting

• List your preferred financial and health care agents and backups.
• Bring existing powers of attorney and health care directives.
• Identify particular concerns about access, limits, or family disagreements.
• Tell us if you moved states or have an upcoming procedure or travel.

Hunsinger Law Group can discuss stand-alone powers of attorney or their place in a broader Illinois or Missouri estate plan. Ask us to confirm which documents and services are included before proceeding.

Hunsinger Law Group, LLC · Attorney advertising. General information, not legal advice. State law and individual circumstances matter. Contacting the firm does not by itself establish an attorney-client relationship. Reviewed by Zach Hunsinger September 24, 2026.