When Health Takes a Turn: Estate Planning After a Medical Crisis

 Posted on July 15, 2025 in Estate Planning

Almost by definition, a sudden health crisis, such as a heart attack or stroke, can unexpectedly change everything. Beyond immediate medical concerns, many people are left realizing they have not prepared for the future and have much to do to protect their assets and their wishes.

Estate planning after a medical emergency is not only about protecting your assets; even more importantly, it is about ensuring your family knows your wishes and can make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Illinois law provides several tools that allow you to plan for incapacity and ensure your estate is handled according to your intentions. Advance healthcare directives are one of these tools, but there are more. Taking action now can give you and your loved ones peace of mind in an uncertain time and our Plainfield estate planning attorney is here to help. 

Why Estate Planning Is Critical After a Medical Crisis

A health scare quickly and easily highlights how fragile life can be. Without an estate plan, your family may face challenges making medical decisions, managing your finances, or even accessing necessary accounts. These are some of the most common estate planning documents to help address these concerns:

• Powers of Attorney allow you to appoint someone you trust to make financial or healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated.

• Advance Directives let you specify your preferences for medical treatment, such as life-sustaining measures or palliative care.

• A Last Will and Testament ensures that your property is given to your loved ones according to your wishes rather than Illinois’s intestacy laws.

These tools are especially important if you have experienced a serious health event because they help avoid court involvement in your personal affairs.

Updating Your Estate Plan After a Heart Attack

If you already have an estate plan in place, a medical crisis is the right time to review it. Whether you or your partner has experienced a stroke, heart attack, or a serious diagnosis of a terminal disease, Illinois law allows you to modify your will, trusts, and other planning documents as long as you have the legal capacity to do so. 

The first thing to think about is whether your chosen agents for financial and medical decisions are still appropriate. The people you have chosen to act in these roles should know and should have given their consent. If your relationships are not strong and trusted, you may want to consider asking someone else. 

Next, make sure that your current estate plan accurately reflects your beneficiaries and your plans for asset distribution. Make sure your advance directives are accurate and have detailed instructions for end of life care. Finally, if you have not already, consider creating a trust. Our estate planning attorney can help you make these updates quickly and in compliance with Illinois law. 

Prepare for the Unknown and Protect Your Family’s Future with a Solid Estate Plan

A serious illness often causes individuals and families to reflect on the legacy they want to leave. Beyond distributing property, estate planning allows you to name guardians for minor children, protect assets for a spouse or other dependents, and reduce the risk of disputes among heirs. In some cases, creating a trust can also help shield your assets from creditors or nursing home costs. By working with an attorney, you can create a plan that perfectly matches your family’s needs and values. 

Contact a Kendall County, IL Estate Planning Attorney

If you or a loved one has experienced a medical crisis, now is the time to take control of your estate plan. Contact a Plainfield, IL estate lawyer for advance healthcare directives at Gateville Law Firm. We are here to help you think through difficult questions and update your plan so you can face the future with confidence. Call 630-780-1034 to schedule a free consultation today.