Planned Giving Resources

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	Estate Planning Resources Below are links to resources that may be useful for estate planning. These documents complied with the laws of the State of Illinois at the time of posting. As with any information provided here or anywhere on the world-wide-web, we advise that you check with a licensed attorney before executing any legal documents as the law changes frequently and your situation may be more complex than these documents may cover.
Basic "Illinois" Planning Documents Below is a link to an Adobe Acrobat file that contains three basic documents everyone should have at their disposal. Please read the descriptions of these documents below. These documents are provided without warranty. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed attorney before executing these or any legal document. Disclaimer: The Diocese of Rockford assumes no liability whatsoever as to their suitability for any particular purpose. Download Planning Documents (in pdf) Will – this is a basic, simple will used for most married couples. It instructs that everything be left to the maker’s spouse, then to their children, should both parents be deceased. It has language in it to name a guardian for minor children and a trust feature instructing that assets be held for the benefit of minor children by a third party (generally the executor) until the child(ren) reaches age 18. General Power of Attorney is a document allowing the naming of an agent (generally the spouse) to act on a person’s behalf in regard to all financial matters. This power is used in the event the maker is unable to perform any financial functions (for example, unable to attend a real estate closing, this power allows the agent to represent that person at the closing, or should a person be disabled, the agent can act on that person’s behalf). The power of attorney remains in effect for life or until revoked by the maker. Health Care Power of Attorney names an agent to act on a person’s behalf regarding heath care issues ONLY if they are unable to do so themselves. It provides for organ donation and has specific language regarding the agent’s access to information through the Privacy Act (HIPAA). On page 3 of the document, the maker is required to choose between one of three options in regard to the agent’s authority: the first is the broadest grant of authority, allowing the agent to weigh the benefits of treatment vs. the burdens of same. The second option requires a doctor to determine the maker in an irreversible coma before allowing the agent to make decisions, the third option is a “keep me alive at all costs” choice.