Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Lawyers in Chicagoland

Spagnolo & Hoeksema, LLC estate planning lawyers offer a broad range of wills, trusts, and probate preparation services. Our team is also highly experienced in representing clients in Indiana and Illinois with probate litigation and estate administration. We work with you to break the estate planning process down to an understandable level. It is not enough to us that we understand your case; it is also important to us that you are clear about your case as well.

The best time to discuss and manage issues around your estate, wills, and trusts is now, before you become injured or incapacitated. It can be very beneficial, for example, to know how federal estate taxes and sizable gifts that you have received or granted impact your trusts and estate. Our attorneys can explain the various estate planning options and create wills, trusts, and probate agreements for you.

Probate

During the probate planning process, an executor is appointed. This is the person who administers the estate, including managing the estate’s finances. In some instances, a living trust may eliminate the need for probate. Because probate laws vary by state, you need an attorney who has in-depth knowledge about the requirements in your state, such as the Illinois Probate Act and Indiana’s probate code. We have the legal knowledge, research, and courtroom experience needed to offer you valuable guidance on how you should best prepare for your future. We know how to help you protect your loved ones.

Wills

A will outlines who has been identified to receive a specific portion of your assets after your death. Beneficiaries are named before a will is finalized. You can also use a will to identify who will take care of your minor children should you die before your children reach adulthood. Absent a will, courts may determine who will care for your minor children. Assets that you leave behind could be turned over to the state if you do not have a will in place.

Trusts

Trusts that we develop with you identify a third party who will manage your assets. Unlike the probate process, trusts can be managed privately. For this reason, trusts could grant you an increased level of control over your assets. It is advantageous to plan trusts out in significant detail. Our estate planning lawyers are experienced in trust development, planning, administration, and defense.

Estates

Your estate includes all of your assets. You do not need to own a house to have an estate. Property that could comprise your estate includes land that you own, houses, businesses that you own, life insurance policies, furniture, jewelry, and automobiles. Estate planning protects your property in the event of your death. Because your estate changes over time and laws impacting estate planning also change, it is advisable that you regularly review your estate plan with a knowledgeable probate attorney.

Protect Your Family with Comprehensive Estate Planning

The right guidance is paramount when creating or managing wills, trusts, estate, and probate planning. At Spagnolo & Hoeksema, LLC, our estate planning lawyers have the skills to help you create a thoughtful, detailed estate plan that will help ensure your final wishes are known and followed. Whether you need a will verified or a sharp team of estate planning lawyers to assist you with a contested will, we have the experience to assist you.

If you or a relative of yours needs legal advice and guidance with developing a will, probate, or estate agreement, please contact us today.