Estate Planning for Chicago and Northwest Indiana

Plans that work in real life. Clear documents, funding steps, and next actions that protect your family and your business.

Estate plan signing with attorney

WHAT WE OFFER

Fast starts

We set priorities, gather records, and give you a short list of decisions. No jargon. No guesswork.

Plain language

Every clause and page explained. You sign knowing what it does and how to use it.

Funding follow through

We help retitle assets and update beneficiaries so the plan actually works.

Fee clarity

Flat or staged fees matched to scope. You know the cost before we begin.

Reviewing will and trust drafts

Foundation

Core documents that cover the essentials

  • Will with guardians, executors, and clear instructions.
  • Revocable living trust for probate avoidance and privacy.
  • Financial power of attorney for banking and contracts.
  • Health care power of attorney, HIPAA release, and living will.

You also get a short guide that explains how and when to use each document.

Beneficiary updates and account titling for trusts

Make it work

Trust funding and beneficiary updates

  • Retitle real estate and accounts to your trust where appropriate.
  • Update beneficiary designations for retirement and life insurance.
  • Use transfer on death tools when they fit your plan.

We provide a checklist and coordinate with your bank, custodian, or advisor so you leave with a working plan.

Family business succession discussion

Succession

Business and property succession

  • Operating agreements and buy sell terms that match your trust.
  • Rental portfolios aligned with tax and liability goals.
  • Successor trustee and executor roles that avoid deadlock.

We coordinate with CPAs and advisors so the estate plan and the business plan work together.

Advanced

Planning for complex estates

Irrevocable trusts

Gift and legacy structures built to your goals. Clear control and distribution terms.

Tax aware transfers

Coordinated with your CPA and advisor. We model pros and cons before you commit.

Asset protection

Entity choices and trust tools that balance control and risk management.

Process

Straight steps from intake to signing

1. Intake

We collect goals, family details, and assets. We flag immediate risks.

2. Draft

We draft in plain English. You review with comments and we refine.

3. Sign

We prepare the signing set and witnesses. You leave with a working binder and PDFs.

4. Fund

We guide account changes and deeds. We confirm completion with a short checklist.

FAQ

Quick answers

Do I need a trust or is a will enough?

It depends on your goals, assets, and states involved. We recommend the simplest plan that meets your targets.

Will this avoid probate?

A funded trust with aligned beneficiaries usually avoids court. We include funding steps so the plan works.

Can you work with my advisor?

Yes. We coordinate with your CPA and financial team to align taxes and investment choices.

How often should I update?

Any time family, assets, or laws change. We offer reviews on a regular cycle so the plan stays current.

Talk to us today

Send your goals and any existing documents. We will map a clear plan and a short path to a signed, funded estate plan that works in Illinois and Indiana.

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