Once we have the opportunity to review your current situation and speak with you, our experienced estate planning attorneys will draft estate documents that accurately reflect your needs and wishes.

Each estate plan is customized to address the client’s unique circumstances and goals. Once the documents are drafted, we will email them to you for review. Upon your approval, we will prepare the final package for signatures and complete the execution of the documents.

Without an estate plan, your property will be distributed according to state law, and you may have no say in who receives your assets or who acts as the administrator of your estate.

Furthermore, failing to have an appropriate estate plan may result in higher probate costs, additional confusion, and potential disagreements among family members.

Documents included in our estate plans may include the following:
 

Wills:
 

A will — or “Last Will and Testament” — is a legal document that identifies your beneficiaries and appoints an executor to act on behalf of your estate. A will is an important part of an estate plan, but estate planning is rarely as simple as having a will alone.
 

By relying only on a will, you may miss opportunities and exemptions that can help reduce overall estate costs and expedite the estate administration process. In addition, your will should be reviewed periodically to ensure it reflects any changes in your personal or financial circumstances.

 

Trusts:
 

Trusts are often misunderstood as being necessary only for high-net-worth individuals. In reality, a trust can provide significant benefits for many estate plans, including those involving more modest assets.

A trust is a legal arrangement that can hold assets and allow individuals to establish how those assets will be managed and distributed. One of the primary advantages of a trust is that it may allow certain assets to avoid probate.

Probate is the legal process through which assets and property are distributed from a decedent’s estate through a court of law. Probate can involve significant costs and may take anywhere from several months to several years. These expenses are generally paid by the estate and can delay distributions to beneficiaries.

Trusts can also hold assets for beneficiaries who should not receive them immediately following your death, such as minors or individuals with special needs. The trust can retain and distribute those assets according to specific instructions and timelines.

Trusts can provide additional flexibility in your estate plan and may also help reduce certain estate-related taxes. Our experienced estate planning lawyers can explain the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating a trust into your estate plan and determine whether one is appropriate for your specific situation.

 

Powers of Attorney:
 

Powers of attorney for health care and property are important components of many estate plans.

A power of attorney for health care allows you to appoint an agent to make health care decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to make those decisions yourself.

A power of attorney for property allows your appointed agent to make decisions on your behalf regarding financial matters and the management of your property.

 

HIPAA Disclosure:
 

In recent years, hospitals and medical facilities have become increasingly cautious about disclosing medical information due to HIPAA regulations and potential liability.

A HIPAA Disclosure authorization allows medical providers to disclose relevant medical information to your authorized agent when necessary so that the agent can make appropriate and informed decisions on your behalf.

Estate planning involves more than simply deciding how your assets will be distributed after your death. There are legal strategies that may help reduce estate-related taxes and make the administration process more efficient.

Whether you are planning for your family’s financial future or dealing with the loss of a loved one, it is important to speak with a qualified estate lawyer who has experience in estate planning and administration.

Blackridge Legal’s Downers Grove, Illinois estate planning and probate attorneys assist clients throughout the Chicagoland area with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate, and other estate planning responsibilities at competitive rates.
 

Illinois Probate / Estate Administration:
 

The passing of a loved one is an extremely difficult time. Our estate administration lawyers can guide you through the process and assist with the legal responsibilities involved, including probate, guardianship matters, applicable federal and state tax filings, and estate administration. This allows you to focus your attention on your family’s overall needs.

Click here to learn more about our probate and estate administration services.