An experienced Wills & Trusts attorney can help you make an estate plan that is unique to your family’s needs. They can help you create documents to protect your home, property, assets and children after death. They can also help you avoid probate, a process that can be costly and time-consuming for your family. It is recommended that you start estate planning as soon as possible, especially if you have young children or heirs with special needs.
The most common type of document used in an estate plan is a will, also known as a Last Will and Testament. This document states your final wishes. It is filed with the county court after your death and read in a process called probate. A Will can also contain burial instructions and funeral arrangements. If you are creating a Will, it is recommended that you have it notarized and signed in front of two witnesses. This will help the court prove that your Will is genuine after your death.
Other types of estate planning documents include trusts, power of attorneys and healthcare proxies. Trusts offer more control over the distribution of your property after death than a will and can be used for many different purposes. A Chicago estate planning lawyer can advise you on your options.
When you are looking for a Wills & Trusts Attorney, it is important to find one that has extensive experience in this area of law. They should be knowledgeable about tax strategy, which can help you minimize your tax liability. They should also be able to write clear, concise documents that reflect your desires and ensure that they are legally valid when you pass away or become incapacitated.
In addition to drafting legal documents, a Wills & Trusts Attorney can also help you with other aspects of your estate planning. They can assist with a variety of issues, including guardianships for minors and disabled adults, minimizing the impact on your heirs’ inheritance through proper asset protection and ensuring that your health care wishes are fulfilled in case of incapacitation.
They can also handle contested matters, such as allegations of undue influence, coercion, fraud or breach of fiduciary duty. This can involve a lawsuit or appeal.
A seasoned estate lawyer can help you preserve your legacy, attain peace of mind and avoid probate, which is expensive and time-consuming for loved ones. They can also protect your family’s privacy and provide for special needs heirs. For example, through a special needs trust, an heir with disabilities can have personal money while maintaining their government assistance benefits. The best Wills & Trusts Attorneys in Chicago will take the time to listen to your concerns and goals and tailor your estate plan accordingly. They will guide you through the entire process so that you can rest assured that your family’s future is in good hands. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help you.
