Comprehensive Estate Plans
A will is a cornerstone of a comprehensive estate plan, along with health care directives and financial powers of attorney. A will clarifies your wishes regarding the distribution of assets following your death, while powers of attorney for health care matters and financial issues allow someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
The experienced estate planning attorneys at Lesser Lutrey Pasquesi & Howe, LLP in Lake Forest, Illinois, use wills, powers of attorney and other estate planning documents to make their clients’ intentions clear regarding wishes for end-of-life health care measures and the transfer of assets.
For a will to be legally recognized and enforced, the executor must hire an attorney to go to probate court. The probate process generally requires six months to a year to complete. Probate is characterized as costly and time-consuming, but we work with clients to create strategies that help prevent a long and costly probate.
Accomplishing Additional Objectives With Trusts
Often, our clients also need to establish trusts, which are separate entities that hold assets for the benefit of the person who creates it (the grantor). There are many types of trusts, each accomplishing a unique objective. We use trusts to help our clients:
- Avoid probate
- Minimize taxes
- Provide money to a special needs child while ensuring that the child continues to qualify for government benefits
- Provide for a spouse or adult children from a prior marriage
- Accept gifts for grandchildren
An Effective Estate Plan Starts With A Review Of Your Situation
Every estate planning client comes to us with unique needs. We invest ample time upfront assessing each client’s assets, family situation, goals and other factors in order to tailor an estate plan that is uniquely suited to the client.
We invite you to schedule a meeting with one of our experienced wills and trusts lawyers so we can review your situation and recommend an effective course of action.