What is the Power of Planning?

For generations, we’ve carried the load of showing up strong, handling things ourselves, and looking out for our families, friends, and communities. But strength also means planning ahead.

Without a plan, everything you’ve worked for can be lost to court delays, legal fees, or arguments. With a plan, your wishes are clear, your dignity is protected, and your values carry on.

We understand the hesitation. It can be hard to trust legal or medical systems with something so personal, especially when that trust hasn’t always been earned. That’s why planning on your own terms matters. 

You get to name the people you trust to act for you, in case of a medical emergency or crisis. That choice should be yours, not left to the courts or state laws.

You might be the first in your family to take this step. That’s not just paperwork — that’s the Power of Planning.

Advance planning isn’t about giving up. It’s about staying in control, even if life takes a turn.

Power of Attorney for Health Care

Power of Attorney for Property

 

An older woman with short white hair and glasses smiles at the camera in front of a beige house with a teal front door and wooden steps, surrounded by green plants. She is wearing a gray T-shirt and appears relaxed and happy.
Ready to make your Powers of Attorney now?

The Easy Forms will take you step-by-step through the process so that you can make your own POA documents. If you have questions along the way, click on the links in the form to learn more.

HTML Button Generator

HTML Button Generator

A professional headshot of a man wearing a dark suit jacket, a light-colored button-down shirt, and a patterned tie. He has close-cropped hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and is looking at the camera against a light background.
Michael Stone, Attorney, licensed in Illinois

 

Hi, I’m Attorney Michael Stone. Welcome to the Power of Planning. I’ll be your guide throughout the program.

I’ve been practicing law for over 20 years, providing trusted legal support to our communities with respect and dedication.


I'm the Executive Director at the Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL), a nonprofit in Chicago that has provided free legal services to low-income seniors and adults with disabilities since 1984. Our mission is to build a culture of pro bono legal services and ensure everyone has access to justice. 

We created Power of Planning with you in mind. The program includes easy-to-use forms and short videos to help you understand your options. As you fill out your Power of Attorney documents, you can choose to watch these videos or continue on your own — it’s up to you.

Learn more about CDEL
Portrait of an older Black woman with short white hair, wearing a gray top and dangling earrings, smiling warmly while sitting on a porch with plants and wooden steps in the background.
Meet Shirley

 

After being diagnosed with early-stage dementia, Shirley realized she needed to get her affairs in order. 

Find out what choices Shirley made in her Power of Attorney documents.   

Note: Shirley's story is a compilation of real life issues and events people in Illinois face.

Listen to other people's stories below:

Meet Lisa