Estate Planning Attorney
Protect Your College Student with a Thoughtful Estate Plan
As your child gets ready to leave Wrigleyville for college, you are focused on applications, housing, and tuition. It is just as important to make sure you can step in and help them if there is a medical emergency or financial issue once they turn 18. Without the right legal documents, you may not be able to access their medical information or manage their affairs when they need you most.
Marshiano Law Group helps families in Wrigleyville put practical estate planning tools in place for their college-bound children. With over 25 years of experience and more than $1 billion in transactions handled, we guide you through clear, straightforward steps so your young adult is protected and you are legally able to act on their behalf when it matters.
Tony took the time to truly understand our family situation and crafted an estate plan that addressed all our concerns. His expertise gave us incredible peace of mind.
– Sarah K., Chicago (Google Review)
Why Legal Documents Matter When Your Child Turns 18
Once your child becomes a legal adult, you no longer have automatic rights to their medical records or financial information, even if you are still paying the bills. Hospitals, banks, and schools must follow strict privacy rules. Without proper estate planning documents, you may be left on the sidelines if something happens.
As an estate planning attorney in Wrigleyville, we work with you and your student to prepare tailored documents that reflect your family’s values and your child’s preferences. You gain peace of mind, and they gain a clear plan if the unexpected occurs.
Key protections often include:
• Durable power of attorney so you can manage financial and legal matters if your child is unable to do so
• Medical power of attorney to allow you to make healthcare decisions if your child cannot speak for themself
• Advance medical directive or living will to outline your child’s wishes regarding medical treatment
• HIPAA authorization so doctors can share medical information with you
• A simple will or trust where appropriate, to address savings, scholarships, or other assets
These documents work together to help you protect your child, their education, and their future.
Foundations of a Strong Estate Plan
At the core of every estate plan is a toolkit made up of legal documents that reflect your goals, responsibilities, and values. While every plan is different, the key components often include:
Wills and Trusts
Outline where your property and assets go, and under what conditions
Durable Power of Attorney
Make sure someone you trust can manage your affairs if you can’t
Living Will
Share your wishes about medical care during serious health situations
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Appoint a person to make medical decisions on your behalf
Each of these plays a different role, but they all work together to form a complete plan. If you own property, have children, or care for older family members, putting these in place can be one of the most straightforward ways to avoid complications in the future.
Knowing that someone has the authority to act on your behalf, or that your children’s guardianship is clearly stated in a will, changes how you feel day to day. One client, after finalizing their documents, shared that having everything in writing gave their family structure during uncertain moments, helping remove confusion in stressful situations. That clarity is what planning ahead gives—not just to you, but to the people you care about.
The Estate Planning Process with Marshiano Law Group
Working with our Chicago estate planning attorneys is straightforward and client-focused:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We begin with a comprehensive consultation to understand your goals, family dynamics, and financial situation. This allows us to recommend the most appropriate estate planning tools for your specific needs.
Step 2: Information Gathering
Our team collects and organizes important information about your assets, beneficiaries, and wishes. This thorough approach ensures your estate plan addresses all aspects of your situation.
Step 3: Strategy Development
Based on your unique circumstances, we develop a customized estate planning strategy that meets your goals while addressing potential tax implications and asset protection concerns.
Step 4: Document Preparation and Review
We meticulously draft all necessary legal documents and review them with you in detail, ensuring you fully understand each component of your estate plan.
Step 5: Execution and Implementation
Once finalized, we guide you through the proper execution of all documents and provide clear direction on how to implement your plan, including asset retitling and beneficiary designations.
Step 6: Ongoing Support and Updates
Estate planning is not a one-time event. As your life changes, we remain available to review and update your plan to ensure it continues to reflect your current wishes and circumstances.
Client Testimonials
Attorney Marshiano made the estate planning process easy to understand. His expertise saved us from potential tax pitfalls we never would have recognized on our own. Highly recommend!
Michael T., Chicago Heights
After putting off estate planning for years, I was surprised at how straightforward Tony made the process. He explained everything clearly and created a comprehensive plan that gives me complete peace of mind about my family’s future.
Jennifer L., Oak Park
How Our College Prep Estate Planning Process Works
We keep the process simple and respectful of your student’s growing independence. First, we learn about your family, your child’s college plans, and any existing accounts or health concerns. We explain each recommended document in plain language so both you and your child understand what it does and how it works.
Next, we prepare customized documents for your review, answer questions, and make any needed revisions. Once everything is ready, we oversee proper signing and witnessing so the documents are legally effective. You leave with organized, ready-to-use documents and clear guidance on when and how they should be presented to schools, medical providers, and financial institutions.
Why Wrigleyville Families Choose Marshiano Law Group
Parents who work with Marshiano Law Group appreciate that we take their concerns seriously and treat their college-bound children as active participants in the planning process. We focus on real-world situations that Wrigleyville families face, such as out-of-state colleges, travel abroad, and part-time jobs or internships.
As an estate planning attorney in Wrigleyville, our approach is practical and personal. We do not push unnecessary documents. We listen, explain your options, and tailor a plan that balances your child’s independence with your need to be able to step in during an emergency. Our goal is simple: to help you protect your child, their health, and the resources that support their education.
Comprehensive Estate Planning Beyond College Prep
Preparing your student for college is often the first step in a broader estate plan for your family. At Marshiano Law Group, we also help Wrigleyville families create or update wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, and we advise on advance directives and long-term planning. For business owners, we can address business succession as part of your overall estate plan so your family and your company are protected.
Whether you are focused on this milestone of sending a child to college or ready to build a complete plan for your family and legacy, an experienced estate planning attorney in Wrigleyville can guide you through the decisions that matter most.
Secure Your Legacy With Thoughtful Planning Today
If you are ready to protect your family, assets, and future, our team at Marshiano Law Group is here to guide you through each step. Contact our estate planning attorney in Wrigleyville today to schedule a personalized consultation and start putting a clear plan in place.
Contact Us
Whether you need comprehensive estate planning or advice on a specific aspect of asset protection, Marshiano Law Group is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can assist you.
We are more than just attorneys; we are your trusted legal partners dedicated to achieving justice and success for you.
