Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Attorney This Fall
Fall gives many of us a chance to take a breath. The year is starting to wind down, and it’s easy to reflect on what still needs attention. Estate planning often falls into that category. Meeting with an estate planning attorney this time of year can help you check in on things that may have been put off.
This season is also when many people settle into routines again after summer ends. Whether you’re thinking about retirement, helping aging parents, or want things organized before the holidays, fall is a good moment to pause and ask the right questions. What you ask during your meeting matters, and the clearer your questions, the more helpful the conversation can be.
Understanding Your Current Plan (or Lack of One)
Before we can think about what comes next, we need to know what’s already on paper. If you’ve made a will or signed anything related to estate planning in the past, bring those documents with you. Then ask if they still make sense today.
• Has anything changed in your life since the last time you made a plan? Marriage, divorce, a move, or growing your family are all reasons to review things.
• Do you have key pieces drafted already, like a will, a trust, or a power of attorney? Are they updated for your current wishes?
• If you don’t have anything in place, ask what could happen under Illinois law and how that might affect your family if something unexpected occurred.
A meeting isn’t just about documents. It’s about your current life, and making sure your plans match what’s most important to you right now. Sometimes people find that their life has changed in small ways they hadn’t even considered. Even things like a change in jobs, new pets, or an updated address can have a ripple effect on how plans work. Making sure all these pieces fit together can save stress down the road.
What Happens to Your Family and Assets
If something happened to you tomorrow, who would know what to do? That’s often where people pause. This is where we talk about who would manage your finances or handle choices about your property if you weren’t able to.
• Ask what types of plans are used in Chicago to make things clearer for loved ones long term.
• Learn how a will or trust can name the people you want to guide things, from caring for your kids to handling your accounts.
• Ask how different types of assets, like your home, bank accounts, or personal items, can be protected or passed on smoothly.
We all have different priorities. Some people want to protect their home for future generations. Others want to make sure no one is left unsure about what belongs to who. Talking about what you have and what you care about helps shape the next steps.
The attorneys at Marshiano Law Group draw on more than 25 years of local experience to help families throughout Chicago with settling estates efficiently, minimizing potential disputes, and coordinating smooth transfers of assets. This experience can be especially helpful when you’re unsure about the best way to keep things organized, or if you want to avoid extra tasks for your family.
Healthcare and End-of-Life Planning
This part of the conversation can be emotional, but it’s one of the most important. If you’re unable to speak for yourself, would anyone know what kind of care you want or don’t want?
• Ask about medical decisions, and what kind of forms can help express your wishes clearly.
• Talk about a living will or medical power of attorney, and how these documents work in Illinois.
• Make sure your preferences around life support, certain treatments, or care in serious health situations are known.
These conversations aren’t always easy, but they can bring a lot of relief. You’re not guessing what someone might want. You’re making sure the support is already in place. You can talk about specific wishes, like the kind of hospital you would want, or if there are certain care providers you trust. If there are religious or personal beliefs that guide your care choices, be sure to include those, too. Getting these things clear in writing makes it easier for family members to carry out your wishes if a decision must be made quickly.
Planning for the Unexpected This Fall
As we head toward winter, life tends to move quickly. With the holidays coming and people traveling, it’s smart to ask about what could happen if something changes without warning.
• What if you or a loved one has a sudden health shift and no decisions have been put in writing?
• How would your family get permission to help with your finances or care, and would that be harder without documents in place?
• Is now a good time to look over any plans you’ve had on the shelf, especially those untouched for five years or more?
Meeting with an estate planning attorney while everyone is still in town and the year hasn’t ended gives you a little extra breathing room. If documents need to be updated or created, there’s still time before the holiday rush. It can be handy to bring notes about big events, like marriages, births, new jobs, or changes in your health, so you can talk through how they might affect your plans. Even minor things, like adding a new bank account or getting a new pet, might impact how you want your instructions to look.
Choosing the Right People for Key Roles
This part might be one of the most personal. Legal plans are only as helpful as the people chosen to follow them. You’ll want to feel confident that those you name will be responsible, clear-headed, and able to respect your wishes.
• Ask what qualities matter most when picking someone to manage money or make medical decisions.
• Bring up any concerns you have around family conflict or whether someone is willing to take on the role.
• Talk through how and when to tell those you choose that they’ve been named in your plans.
Choosing someone for a legal role doesn’t have to be permanent. You can change your decision later. But talking honestly now helps avoid surprises during emergencies.
Marshiano Law Group offers custom guidance for families needing to update roles on existing documents or create new powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, and more to fit changing needs. Sometimes it’s hard to decide between relatives or friends, so talk through potential pros and cons of each. You may want to consider backup options in case your first pick is unable or unwilling to act. Bringing up these kinds of questions can help your plans stay flexible.
Holiday Confidence: Ready for Whatever Comes Next
Going into the holiday season with peace of mind makes a difference. When your estate plan is clear, it allows everyone to focus on time together, not on paperwork or what-if questions.
Setting up a plan this fall means your family won’t be stuck figuring things out in the middle of winter. Instead of rushing, you’ll already know who’s able to help, where the instructions are, and how you want things done. There’s comfort in knowing your future is a little more settled, even in uncertain times.
At Marshiano Law Group, we understand how important peace of mind is as you move through a busy season. Organizing your affairs or updating old paperwork can make a world of difference, and speaking with an estate planning attorney is a great step toward making things easier for your loved ones tomorrow. We’re here to guide you through these important conversations and help you achieve your goals. Reach out today to schedule a time that works for you.
