What is the Power of Planning?

Part of our culture is taking care of others. The pursuit of a better life belongs to everyone, and we don’t want to leave anyone behind. But without clear plans for the future, even the closest families and friends can face confusion or conflict. Writing down your wishes makes things easier for the people you love. 

You might be the first in your family to make plans like this, and that’s something to be proud of. Advance planning is for everyone because all have something to protect: our dignity, our efforts, and the people we love. 

Talking about illness or death can feel like inviting bad luck. We understand. But the truth is, not talking about it can leave your loved ones with a heavy and expensive burden. 

If you don’t choose someone you trust ahead of time, a decision-maker will be chosen under state law — and it might not be the person you would have picked. Everything you've worked for could be tied up in court, drained by legal fees, and cause damage to family bonds and friendships.

Think of a Power of Attorney like car insurance — if you never need it, great. But if you do, it can make all the difference. 

Because your legacy isn’t just about money. It’s about peace, clarity, and the values you leave behind. That’s the Power of Planning.

 

Power of Attorney for Health Care

Power of Attorney for Property

 

An older man with short gray hair wearing a denim shirt, smiling at the camera while seated outdoors and resting his hands on a cane; a blurred green garden background is visible behind him.
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 woman with long, dark hair, wearing a gray blazer over a white blouse. She is smiling and looking straight at the camera against a light background.
Lissette Ortegon, Attorney, licensed in Illinois

 

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

I’ve been practicing law for over 10 years, providing trusted legal support to our communities with respect and dedication.


I work 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 a smiling older Latino man with short gray hair and a mustache, wearing a light gray sweater over a blue collared shirt, standing outdoors with a blurred background of greenery.
Meet Federico

After losing his wife, Federico realized his closest relatives were all in a country he hadn’t called home in 30 years. 

Find out why Federico made his Power of Attorney documents.  

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

Listen to other people's stories below:

Meet Lisa