Areas of Practice:Estate Planning
Estate planning is about clarity, control, and peace of mind. It ensures the people you care about are protected, your obligations are handled, and your assets pass exactly as you intend. When structured and funded properly, a comprehensive estate plan can streamline (or even avoid) probate altogether, saving time, expense, and unnecessary stress for your family.
Wills
Our estate planning attorneys will help you draft a valid and effective will that formalizes your intentions for the distribution of your assets and names an appropriate executor to carry out your instructions. We also help clients change wills when circumstances, relationships or priorities change. Contrary to popular belief, a will does not avoid probate, but it does allow you to dictate how your estate will be distributed after your death.
Trusts
Trusts are another powerful estate planning tool. Unlike a will, a properly drafted and funded trust can help your estate avoid probate. Property properly transferred into a living trust passes directly to your beneficiaries at your death, outside the probate process. Our firm can help you create the type of trust that fits your needs, including revocable living trusts. Fully funding your trust protects your assets for your loved ones and spares them the time and expense of probate court.
Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to handle your affairs if you become unable to do so. Illinois recognizes two types of POA: one for health care and another for property. The POA for health care lets you designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf, while the POA for property covers financial matters. Both documents provide you with control over who can make decisions when you are unable to.
Advanced Healthcare Directives
Also known as a living will, this is a legal document that outlines your health care preferences and wishes if you are unable to communicate them.
Guardianships
Parents of minor or disabled children have vital concerns when it comes to formalized care arrangements after they are gone. We work closely with clients to develop suitable guardianship instructions that clearly outline parents’ preferences for custody and care, among other matters, both short-term and long-term.
Deeds
Our real estate professionals can create deeds that designate who will inherit your real property upon passing, ensuring a smoother transfer of property to your chosen beneficiaries without the need for lengthy legal proceedings; this can save time and money for your heirs