Wills and Trusts Attorney in Chicago
Taking the time to plan ahead can make a significant difference for your loved ones. A clear, well-structured estate plan gives you more control over what happens to your assets, helps avoid confusion or conflict, and can ease a difficult time for your family. Whether you are starting from scratch or revisiting an existing plan, having the right legal guidance matters. At Marshiano Law Group, we help Chicago families develop personalized wills and trusts that reflect their values, needs, and goals.
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)
Understanding Wills and Trusts
A will or trust is more than just a legal document. It is a way to create peace of mind and provide direction for the people you care about. Wills and trusts allow you to decide who manages your estate, who receives your assets, and how they are distributed.
Choosing between a will or a trust depends on your financial situation and your long-term planning goals. In many cases, both are used together for an efficient and secure strategy.
A will typically includes:
- Instructions for distributing personal property and financial assets
- Nominations for guardians for minor children
- Designation of an executor to handle your estate
A trust offers more control during your lifetime and helps streamline distributions after death. Trusts can be used to avoid probate, maintain privacy, manage assets for minors or beneficiaries with special needs, and plan for incapacity.
Key Services for Wills and Trusts in Chicago
We provide comprehensive estate planning services tailored to each client’s needs.
Last Will and Testament
A foundational document in your estate plan that allows you to:
– Direct how your assets are distributed
– Name guardians for minor children
– Clarify your wishes for personal items or pets
Revocable Living Trusts
This structure allows you to retain full control of your assets while alive and simplifies management in the event of incapacity. It is often used to avoid probate and ensure efficient transfers.
Irrevocable Trusts
Ideal for long-term planning, these trusts cannot be altered once created and may provide tax advantages, asset protection, or support for a beneficiary with specific needs.
Supporting Documents That Complete the Plan
A complete estate plan includes more than wills and trusts. It also involves documents that take effect when you are unable to act on your own. These legal tools ensure clear communication and grant the right authority when it is needed most.
Our estate plans often include:
– Power of Attorney for Property: Authorizes someone to manage financial matters if you become unable to.
– Power of Attorney for Healthcare: Appoints someone to make critical medical decisions on your behalf.
– Living Will or Advance Directive: Shares your preferences for end-of-life care.
– HIPAA Release: Grants healthcare providers permission to share necessary medical details with your trusted individuals.
– Property Transfer Deeds: Used to move real estate into a trust where applicable.
How the Planning Process Works
We know estate planning can seem complex at first. That is why our process is designed to move at your pace while keeping things straightforward. Here is what you can expect:
Step 1
An introductory conversation about your goals and personal circumstances
Step 2
A checklist of what we need from you
Step 3
Drafting of customized documents
Step 4
A review meeting to answer questions and discuss revisions
Step 5
Signing session that adheres to Illinois law
Step 6
Future check-ins to update your plan as life evolves
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
Why Chicago Families Choose Marshiano Law Group
At Marshiano Law Group, we understand that estate planning is deeply personal. Families across Chicago rely on us because we listen before we advise. With over 25 years of experience, we craft estate plans designed around your goals, your family, and your assets.
Our approach goes beyond paperwork. We explain every option in clear language and guide you step by step. For example, parents often want to protect their children’s inheritance while avoiding probate court. In these cases, we may structure a trust that holds assets until the child reaches a specific age, with access for needs like education or medical costs.
Life Changes, So Should Your Plan
Your life can change quickly: marriage, divorce, children, homeownership. Any of these events may require updates to your estate plan. A plan that does not reflect your current situation can cause unnecessary confusion or delays later.
At Marshiano Law Group, we build long-term relationships with our clients so we are prepared to adapt your plan as things change. Regular reviews help keep everything current and meaningful.
Why Working With a Professional Matters
Free templates might seem like a good starting point, but they often fall short. They cannot adapt to your unique family dynamics, asset structures, or care wishes. We have seen firsthand what can go wrong with outdated or boilerplate documents.
Choosing Marshiano Law Group means working with a team that understands the legal, practical, and emotional sides of planning. It is not just about avoiding mistakes; it is about creating something strong, flexible, and clear for the people you care about.
Time matters when it comes to protecting your legacy. Do not wait until the unexpected forces your hand. Speak with a trusted wills and trusts attorney in Chicago at Marshiano Law Group today and take control of your future with a plan built around what matters most to you.
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.
