SiLink | Si Se Puede Project

Who is completing this form?

Let us know whether you are filling this out for yourself or helping someone else.

I am filling this out for myself

You are completing this form on your own behalf.

I am helping someone else fill this out

You are helping another person complete this form.

Where Do You Live?

These documents are only valid for people who live in Illinois. If Illinois is where you currently live, you qualify — regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

Do you currently live in the State of Illinois?*

💡

If Illinois is where you currently live, you are a resident — regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

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Power of Attorney for Property

Now we'll collect the information needed for your Power of Attorney for Property. This document lets you choose a trusted person to manage your finances and property on your behalf.

1 Your Information

2 Your Agent

3 Powers & Limitations

4 Terms & Duration

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Short-Term Guardianship

Now we'll collect the information needed for the Short-Term Guardianship Appointment. This document names a trusted person to care for your children temporarily.

1 Your Situation

2 Your Children

3 Parent Information

4 Guardian Information

5 Duration & Terms

Important: Current Situation

Please answer this important question about your current situation.

Is a parent currently detained, arrested, or in custody due to immigration enforcement?*

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This form can help you plan ahead if you are worried about future detention. If someone is already detained, additional steps may be needed.

Your Authority

Only a parent or legal guardian can appoint a short-term guardian.

What is your relationship to the child?*

I am the child's parent I am the child's legal guardian Other (not parent or guardian)

Existing Guardianship Check

We need to verify there is no existing court-ordered guardian for your children.

Does any of your children have a court-appointed or plenary guardian?*

What can a short-term guardian do?

A short-term guardian can make day-to-day decisions (school, medical appointments) but cannot apply for passports, food stamps, or add children to insurance.

Need more authority? Contact us at (815) 240-8181 about plenary guardianship.

Note: This form cannot override another parent's custody rights.

Children Information

Enter information for each minor child (under 18) who needs a guardian.

How many minor children?

Parent Information

Enter the information for the parent completing this form.

Which parent is completing this form?*

Mother Father

Second Parent's Information

Enter the information for the other parent/guardian.

I am the only parent/guardian

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*

Same address as first parent

Home Address*

Phone Number*

Email

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Important

Both parents must sign the guardianship document. If the other parent does not agree or cannot be reached, please select "I am the only parent" above and provide the reason.

Your Information

Enter your legal name exactly as it appears on your identification. This is the person who wants to create the Power of Attorney for Property. You will have an option to include your spouse later in this interview.

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*

If you have ever used a different name on legal documents — such as a maiden name, a previous married name, or a nickname used on property records, bank accounts, or other financial documents — check the box below to include it. This helps ensure your Power of Attorney for Property covers all accounts and property that may be under a different name.

I have another name (maiden name, previous name, or name I commonly use)

Home Address*

If you are currently unhoused, you can enter "Currently Unhoused" and provide a mailing address if available.

Phone Number*

Email

Spouse Information

Would you also like to create a Power of Attorney for Property for your spouse?

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If you are married, it is a good idea for both you and your spouse to each have your own Power of Attorney for Property. This way, if either of you becomes unable to manage your finances — for example, due to illness, injury, or detention — the other spouse (or another trusted person) can step in and handle important financial matters like paying bills, accessing bank accounts, and managing property. Without a Power of Attorney for Property, even a spouse may not have legal authority to manage the other's separate financial accounts or property.

Create Power of Attorney for Property for spouse as well?

Agent Information

Your agent is the person who will have authority to act on your behalf for financial matters.

💡 Who should I pick as my agent?

Choose someone you trust completely with your finances
Your agent must be at least 18 years old
Your agent does NOT need to be a family member
Your agent does NOT need to be a U.S. citizen — however, choosing a non-U.S. citizen is highly discouraged. Some banks, financial institutions, and government agencies may refuse to work with an agent who is not a U.S. citizen, or may require additional verification. This could delay important financial matters when time is critical.
Your agent does NOT need to live in the United States — however, this is highly discouraged. If your agent lives outside the U.S., they may face significant difficulties accessing your bank accounts, managing your property, or dealing with U.S. institutions. Many banks will not accept instructions from someone outside the country. We strongly recommend choosing an agent who lives in the United States.
Talk to your agent about your wishes before naming them — this is one of the most important steps you can take

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Choosing the right agent is one of the most important decisions in this process. Under Illinois law (755 ILCS 45/3-4), your agent has a legal duty to act in good faith, for your benefit, and with due care, competence, and diligence. Your agent must also keep records of all transactions they make on your behalf. If your agent violates these duties, they can be held legally liable. You can revoke (cancel) this Power of Attorney for Property at any time, as long as you have the legal capacity to do so. This is why choosing someone you trust — and talking to them about your wishes before naming them — is so important.

Agent's First Name*

Agent's Middle Name

Agent's Last Name*

Does your agent have a United States address?*

Agent's Phone Number*

A valid phone number is required so your agent can be contacted. If your agent has an international number, select their country code above.

Relationship to You

Agent Eligibility Confirmation

Under Illinois law, your agent must be at least 18 years old. By naming an agent, you are giving them significant authority over your finances and property. Your agent should be someone you trust, someone who understands your wishes, and someone you have spoken with about this responsibility before naming them.

I confirm that my agent is at least 18 years old, that I trust this person with my finances, and that I have discussed this responsibility with them *

Successor Agent

A successor agent is a backup person who steps in only if your primary agent is unable or unwilling to perform their duties.

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Naming a successor agent is optional but highly recommended. Life is unpredictable — your primary agent could become ill, pass away, move to another country, or simply decide they are no longer able to handle the responsibility. Without a successor, you would need to create an entirely new Power of Attorney for Property to name a replacement, which may not be possible if you are incapacitated or detained. A successor agent provides a safety net to ensure someone you trust is always available to manage your affairs.

Would you like to name a successor agent?

Powers Granted to Agent

Select which powers you want to grant to your agent. Each power you check gives your agent the ability to act on your behalf for that category. If you do not check a power, your agent will NOT be able to help you with that type of matter.

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Most people grant all powers to give their agent broad authority. Powers of Attorney for Property are typically left broad because we cannot predict what your agent may need to handle on your behalf. Only uncheck items if you have a specific reason to restrict your agent's authority in that area.

Bankruptcy Filing Power

This is a separate and significant power that is not included in the standard powers above.

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Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows a person who cannot pay their debts to get a fresh financial start. Filing for bankruptcy can discharge (eliminate) certain debts, but it also has serious consequences — it can affect your credit score for up to 10 years, may result in the loss of certain property, and becomes part of the public record.

Your agent might need this power if, for example, you become incapacitated or detained and your debts become unmanageable. Without this power, your agent would not be able to file for bankruptcy on your behalf, even if it would be in your best financial interest. However, because of the serious consequences of bankruptcy, many people choose NOT to grant this power.

Do you want your agent to have the power to file for bankruptcy on your behalf?*

Additional Powers

In addition to the standard powers you selected, you may grant your agent additional specific powers. These are powers that go beyond the standard categories and would be added on top of what you already granted.

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The standard powers you selected on the previous page cover most common financial and property matters. However, there are some specific actions that require an explicit grant of authority — for example, the power to make gifts of your property, the power to change beneficiaries on accounts, or the power to manage a trust. If you want your agent to have any of these additional abilities, you can describe them below.

This section is entirely optional. Most Powers of Attorney work well without any additional powers. We are not recommending that you add or skip these — the choice is yours based on your personal situation.

Additional Powers (Optional)

Examples of additional powers

The power to give your property to others as gifts
The power to exercise powers of appointment
The power to name or change beneficiaries
The right to access your social media accounts
The power to revoke or amend a trust

Limitations on Powers

You may place specific restrictions or conditions on the powers you granted to your agent. Any limitations you describe here will override the broad authority granted in the previous steps.

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Limitations allow you to restrict what your agent can do with specific types of property or transactions. For example, you could prohibit your agent from selling your home without your written consent, set a maximum amount they can withdraw from a bank account, or restrict them from making changes to specific investment accounts.

This section is entirely optional. Most Powers of Attorney are left broad to give the agent flexibility to handle whatever situations arise, because we often cannot predict what may need to be done. We are not recommending that you add or skip limitations — the choice is yours based on your personal situation.

Limitations on Powers (Optional)

Examples: "My agent may not sell my home at [address] without my written consent" or "My agent may not withdraw more than $5,000 per month from my bank account."

When Should Your Power of Attorney for Property Take Effect?

Choose when your agent's authority begins. This Power of Attorney for Property will go into effect when you sign the form unless you state that it should take effect at a later time. You will still have the authority to make decisions. Your agent will be able to make decisions for you when you are unable to. You can still change your mind and revoke the Power of Attorney for Property after you sign it, as long as you have the required legal capacity.

Immediately

Your Power of Attorney for Property takes effect as soon as you sign it. This does NOT mean you lose any control — you keep full authority over your own finances. It simply means your agent can also act on your behalf right away if needed. This is the most common choice because it ensures your agent can step in immediately if something happens to you.

Only when a doctor has made a written statement that I cannot make financial decisions for myself

Your Power of Attorney for Property will only take effect after a licensed physician provides a written statement that you are unable to manage your own financial affairs. Until that happens, your agent has no authority to act. If you choose this option, your agent will have authority as your personal representative under HIPAA to speak with your doctor and request a written statement about whether or not you can make financial decisions.

When an Adverse Immigration Action stops me from managing my property

An Adverse Immigration Action is a federal action that stops you from being in or managing your property in the United States. An arrest, detention, or apprehension by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can be an Adverse Immigration Action. Your Power of Attorney for Property will only take effect if such an action occurs.

At another time. I will explain below.

You can specify a different date or event that will trigger the Power of Attorney for Property to take effect.

When Should Your Power of Attorney for Property End?

To make the Power of Attorney for Property end before your death, you must give a date or an event upon which the Power of Attorney for Property will end. For example, the Power of Attorney for Property could end upon a court determination of your disability.

Until my death or until I revoke it

This is the most common choice. The Power of Attorney for Property remains in effect for your entire lifetime unless you choose to cancel (revoke) it. You can revoke it at any time by putting it in writing.

When my agent gets a note from my doctor that says I can manage my financial affairs

The Power of Attorney for Property will end when your agent obtains a written statement from your physician confirming that you are able to manage your own financial affairs again.

When I have been released from custody

The Power of Attorney for Property will end when you have been released from immigration detention or other custody.

On a specific date

Set an expiration date for the Power of Attorney for Property.

Other

Describe a different event or condition that will end the Power of Attorney for Property.

Life Insurance Beneficiary Changes

This question is about whether your agent should have the ability to change who receives your life insurance benefits when you pass away.

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Life insurance is a policy that pays money to a person you choose (called a "beneficiary") after you pass away. The beneficiary is typically a spouse, child, or other loved one. If you allow your agent to change your life insurance beneficiaries, they could redirect who receives this money. Most people choose "No" to protect their existing beneficiary choices, unless they specifically trust their agent to manage this on their behalf.

Can your agent change your life insurance beneficiaries?*

Agent Compensation

This question is about whether your agent should be paid for their work managing your finances and property.

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Regardless of your choice here, your agent can always be reimbursed for actual expenses they pay out of pocket while managing your affairs (for example, postage, filing fees, or travel costs). The question is whether your agent should also receive payment for their time and effort. If you choose "Yes," your agent would be entitled to reasonable compensation — meaning a fair amount for the work they do. Many family members serve as agents without compensation, but if your agent is a professional or will be spending significant time managing your affairs, compensation may be appropriate.

Should your agent be compensated for their services?*

Guardian of Estate Nomination

This question is about what happens if a court ever needs to appoint someone to manage your finances.

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In rare situations, a court may need to appoint a "guardian of your estate" — a person who takes legal control of your finances if you become permanently unable to manage them yourself. This is different from a Power of Attorney for Property and only happens through a court proceeding. If you say "Yes" here, you are telling the court that if they ever need to appoint a guardian for your estate, you would like them to choose the same person you named as your agent. The court will consider your preference but is not required to follow it — they will appoint whoever they believe will serve your best interests.

If a court needs to appoint a guardian of your estate, would you like to nominate your agent for that role?*

Agent Delegation of Powers

This question is about whether your agent can authorize someone else to act on your behalf.

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Delegation means your agent can give another person the authority to make some or all of the decisions that you authorized your agent to make. For example, if your agent is temporarily unavailable (traveling, ill, or dealing with their own emergency), they could delegate authority to someone else to handle an urgent matter on your behalf. If you say "No," only your agent (or your successor agent, if you named one) can make decisions — no one else. If you say "Yes," your agent can choose someone to help, but your agent remains responsible for overseeing what the delegate does.

Can your agent delegate powers to others?*

Guardian Information

Enter information about the person you are appointing as short-term guardian for your children.

💡 Tips for choosing a guardian

Choose someone your children know and trust
The guardian must be at least 18 years old
The guardian does NOT need to be a U.S. citizen
Talk to the person before naming them as guardian
Consider whether they can meet your children's needs

Same guardian for all children?

When Should Guardianship Begin?

Choose when the short-term guardianship will take effect.

This appointment becomes effective:*

🛡️ Upon immigration detention or deportation (Recommended) Guardianship begins if a parent is detained, arrested, or deported due to immigration enforcement. Immediately upon signing Guardianship takes effect as soon as all parties sign the form. On a specific date I will choose the date below. When I state in writing I can't care for the child On the date I state in writing that I am no longer willing or able to make child care decisions. When certified by a physician When a doctor certifies I can no longer make child care decisions. When my military active duty begins For members of the Armed Forces. When a certain event happens I will describe the event below.

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No matter which option you choose, the document won't go into effect until all required signatures are obtained.

When Should Guardianship End?

Choose when the short-term guardianship will terminate. It cannot exceed 365 days from the effective date.

This appointment shall terminate:*

365 days after the effective date (Maximum allowed) The guardianship will automatically end after one year. When I state in writing I can care for the child again On the date I state in writing that I am able to resume child care. When certified by a physician When a doctor certifies I can resume child care decisions. A specific number of days after the effective date I will specify the number of days below (maximum 365). When I am discharged from the hospital On the date I am discharged from the hospital or health care facility. When a certain event happens I will describe the event below.

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A parent can always end the short-term guardianship early by stating in writing that they are able to care for their child again.

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Almost Done!

Just a few more questions to make sure everything is in order, then you'll review your information and generate your documents.

1 Important Questions

2 Terms & Privacy

3 Review & Submit

Important Questions

Please answer these questions to ensure these documents are appropriate for your situation.

Is there a pending custody, divorce, or guardianship court case?

Are you completing this interview freely and safely (not being pressured)?*

Do you understand that:

A Power of Attorney for Property gives your agent broad powers over your finances
A Short-Term Guardianship allows the guardian to make decisions for your children
These documents must be signed in front of a witness AND a notary public to be valid
You can revoke (cancel) these documents at any time, as long as you have legal capacity

Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Please carefully read the following terms of use and privacy policy before proceeding. You must accept these terms to generate your documents.

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and I acknowledge the limitations of this service. I understand that this service provides document preparation only and does not constitute legal advice. Using this service does not create an attorney-client relationship between me and Si Se Puede Project or its volunteers.*

Review Your Information

Please carefully review all information before generating your documents.

📋 About Witnesses and Notarization

When you sign these documents, you will need both a witness and a notary public present.

Witness Requirements

Your witness must be 18 or older and:

Cannot be related by blood or marriage to you or your agent
Cannot be named as agent or successor agent
Cannot be a paid caregiver
Cannot be providing you medical treatment (doctor, nurse)

Good choices: Neighbors, friends, coworkers, members of a church or community group.

Type Your Full Legal Name as Signature*

By typing your name, you acknowledge that all information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge.

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Power of Attorney for Property

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Short-Term Guardianship

What is this document?

Your guardian can:

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Power of Attorney for Property

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Who is completing this form?

I am filling this out for myself

I am helping someone else fill this out

Where Do You Live?

Power of Attorney for Property

Short-Term Guardianship

Important: Current Situation

Immediate Assistance Available

Your Authority

Cannot Continue

Existing Guardianship Check

Cannot Continue

Children Information

Parent Information

Second Parent's Information

Your Information

Spouse Information

Agent Information

Successor Agent

Powers Granted to Agent

Bankruptcy Filing Power

Additional Powers

Limitations on Powers

When Should Your Power of Attorney for Property Take Effect?

Immediately

Only when a doctor has made a written statement that I cannot make financial decisions for myself

When an Adverse Immigration Action stops me from managing my property

At another time. I will explain below.

When Should Your Power of Attorney for Property End?

Until my death or until I revoke it

When my agent gets a note from my doctor that says I can manage my financial affairs

When I have been released from custody

On a specific date

Other

Life Insurance Beneficiary Changes

Agent Compensation

Guardian of Estate Nomination

Agent Delegation of Powers

Guardian Information

When Should Guardianship Begin?

When Should Guardianship End?

Almost Done!

Important Questions

Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Review Your Information

📋 About Witnesses and Notarization

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