DuPage County Estate Planning Attorneys
Illinois Estate Planning Lawyers
At Roberts & Caruso, we take pride in helping our clients create estate plans that protect assets, plan for future care of loved ones and preserve our clients’ intentions in life and after death. Estate plans are not exclusive to those who are extremely wealthy- anyone with a family can benefit from a carefully drafted estate plan. We can help you formulate a plan to keep your family strong even after you pass from this world.
We understand the importance of safeguarding the legacy of each client and we provide an array of legal instruments to support your goals. Our firm provides comprehensive estate planning and handles all aspects of the process including the creation, execution, amendment and revocation of:
Our attorneys listen to the desires of each client and draft estate solutions that properly match the vision of its creator. We offer sound advice and guidance to provide peace of mind and a solid understanding of what is needed to create a complete plan.
Understanding the Basics of Estate Planning
It is never too early or too late to create an estate plan, but we advise our prospective clients to begin the process immediately. We often stress such urgency because life is unpredictable and we want to make sure that the wishes of each client are respected in the event of death or incapacity.
A comprehensive estate plan will consider every facet of family life and make essential corresponding provisions. A properly written and enforceable estate plan can avoid or reduce disputes between concerned parties. Parties impacted by an estate plan can include blood-relatives, adopted children, caregivers, and named beneficiaries.
An estate plan may include all or some of the following elements:
- Will – a document that outlines how assets, such as real estate holdings, will be handled after death. In Illinois, if a person dies without a will, then that person’s assets will be distributed by the state under the terms of the Probate Act of 1975 instead of pursuant to the wishes of the deceased.
- Powers of Attorney – a document initiated by a person that appoints an agent to make decisions on behalf of that person and defines when such powers are granted and revoked. Some use powers of attorney for medical and financial decisions. The agent’s power may commence upon signing the agreement or commence when the person is no longer capable of making his own decisions.
- Trust – a legal instrument to hold and distribute assets created by will, deed, or agreement that is managed by an assigned trustee and provides benefits to one or more named parties. The person who creates the trust is commonly known as the grantor.
Our clients do not need to know all of the answers or even the right questions to ask. We take the time to explore our clients’ unique family situations and help our clients develop the right estate plan to carry out their wishes today and in the years to come.
Please contact our firm today to schedule an appointment to discuss your estate planning matter. There is no charge for the initial consultation with our attorneys who will listen to the details of your legal concern and explain how our firm can help. We have offices in Wheaton, Illinois and Chicago, Illinois for your convenience. We look forward to speaking with you.