What to Ask a Lawyer for Wills Before the Holidays
As families across Chicago prepare for the busy holiday season, many of us find ourselves thinking about more than just the next gathering. The end of the year has a way of reminding us how quickly life moves. It’s often when we realize there are things we’ve put off for too long, like finalizing a will or updating important paperwork.
Meeting with a lawyer for wills before the holidays gives you space to ask the right questions while things are calm. It’s not just about checking a box. It’s about making sure your plans match your current life, especially after a big change in your family or routines. When time gets tight in December, having answers ready can bring more peace and fewer surprises.
What a Will Actually Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
A will is an important piece of planning, but many people aren’t quite sure what it really does. During a meeting, one of the first things we clear up is which parts of life a will can actually help with.
• A will allows you to choose who receives your personal belongings, property, and money after you pass away
• You can name someone to handle your estate, called an executor
• You can choose who you want to care for your minor children if something happens to you
But there are limits. A will doesn’t control everything you own. For example, retirement plans, life insurance, and accounts with named beneficiaries won’t go through your will. Jointly owned property often passes to the remaining owner, not through the will process.
And a will doesn’t decide who makes choices for you while you’re alive. That means it can’t help in a medical emergency or if you’re unable to handle financial tasks. That’s why we talk about other documents too, like powers of attorney and healthcare planning forms. They fill in the gaps and help make your full plan work smoothly.
Marshiano Law Group guides Chicagoans through both simple and complex will drafting, helping ensure documents follow Illinois state law and individual family needs.
Questions About Family and Guardianship
Many people come in worrying most about their family, especially their kids. That focus becomes even clearer around the holidays, when children are top of mind. One big question to bring up is who you would want to care for them if they’re still under 18.
In a will, you can name a guardian. This is the person who would raise your children if you’re gone. You’ll also want to name someone to handle any money held for them, and sometimes that’s a different person.
It’s smart to name backups too. Life can change, and your first choice might not be available when the time comes. Having second and third options avoids delays and confusion later.
If your family includes stepchildren, adopted children, or blended households, it helps to talk openly about fairness and feelings. Holiday gatherings can bring these topics to the surface, and addressing them now reduces pressure for others later.
How to Prepare for Unexpected Illness or Travel
Chicago winters can be unpredictable. Between snow, flu season, and holiday travel, this time of year brings more chances for the unexpected. That’s why reviewing your legal documents before December is often a smart move.
We usually suggest adding a durable power of attorney for finances, along with a health care power of attorney and maybe a living will. These documents make it clear who will step in if you’re in the hospital or out of town and someone needs to make decisions for you.
• A health care power of attorney lets someone speak up for your medical choices
• A durable power of attorney lets someone manage money, bills, or documents on your behalf
• A living will (advance medical directive) explains what kind of care you’d want if you couldn’t speak for yourself
These aren’t always comfortable topics, but having them ready means your family knows what to do, and you’re not left scrambling during a crisis.
Marshiano Law Group carefully drafts Illinois-specific powers of attorney and healthcare directives, making certain they reflect your current wishes and meet necessary legal standards.
Making Updates to Old Documents
Wills and legal forms aren’t meant to sit untouched forever. If you’ve had a big change, like a new baby, a divorce, or a move to Illinois, it might be time to take another look.
We often remind people to review their documents every few years, even if nothing dramatic has changed. Sometimes the people named in your paperwork no longer make sense for your current life. Maybe you’ve drifted apart or your children are grown and could take on more responsibility.
If your current will was signed in another state, it’s helpful to check whether it still works under Illinois law. Each state has different ways of handling things. A simple update might go a long way toward making your plan easier for loved ones to follow.
What to Bring to a First Meeting
If it’s your first time sitting down to talk about a will, or if it’s been a while since you last thought about it, you don’t need to have all the answers. What helps most is walking in with a few basic things prepared.
• A rough list of what you own, real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, or any family items you care about
• Copies of any old wills or related documents you’ve already signed
• A simple list of questions or concerns you’ve been thinking about
We’ll walk through the rest together. Most people find the process easier than they expected, and often finish feeling more relaxed than when they walked in. The toughest part is usually just getting started.
Start the Season with Peace of Mind
The weeks before the holidays can be a blur. But once you’ve answered the big questions and gotten your paperwork lined up, you can head into winter with less on your shoulders. Instead of wondering if everything is in place, you’ll know it is.
We’ve seen how having clear plans brings quiet comfort. Family members don’t have to make assumptions. Decisions are already made. Taking a little time now means giving your loved ones an easier future, no matter what the season brings.
Thinking about your year-end plans is a great way to check that your documents truly reflect your wishes, whether you’re creating a will for the first time or just need a few updates. Meeting with a lawyer for wills who knows the details of Chicago, Illinois, can help you feel more confident about your next steps. At Marshiano Law Group, we take the time to guide you through your options so nothing is missed. Reach out to us today to schedule a conversation
