You can ensure that your assets are distributed in accordance with your preferences by creating a trust and a will with the aid of an estate planning attorney. A competent estate planner can also assist you in avoiding difficulties that could result from poor planning. Finding a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable is crucial, especially because they’ll be assisting you in making private and intimate decisions. A smart EP lawyer will welcome your inquiries and respond in language you can completely comprehend, not in obscure legalese.
An attorney who specializes in estate planning will have extensive experience and knowledge of the law in your state, which is vital since laws and probate processes vary by location. The best way to find an estate lawyer is through a referral from someone you trust, such as family or friends. Your employer’s benefits team might also have access to a network of attorneys who specialize in different areas, including estate planning.
You can also check the local or state bar association to see if an attorney has been licensed to practice law in your area. You might also want to look for an attorney with specific certifications, such as a certified trust and estate practitioner or chartered trust and estate advisor.
A good Chicago estate planning attorney will be able to guide you through the process of creating a living trust, will, and power of attorney documents. They’ll help you prevent your assets from going to probate court and help you avoid excess taxes. They can also help you address unique issues such as second marriages, blended families, business ownership, charity bequests, IRAs and 401(k)s, and real estate holdings in multiple states or countries.
Your attorney will also prepare advanced directives, which are a written document that specifies your preferences for end-of-life care in case you become incapacitated or unable to speak on your own behalf. These documents—also called living wills and instructions directives—let your agent know what treatment you want or don’t want, appointing them to make medical decision-making decisions for you in the event of an emergency.
An attorney can also assist you with other estate-related documents such as a health care power of attorney and a durable power of attorney for finances. This document gives your agent authority to make financial and legal decisions for you in the event of your incapacitation or death.
To create a plan that takes into account their requirements as well as the needs of their loved ones, everyone should collaborate with an estate planning attorney. When it comes time to put the plans into action, loved ones may experience difficulties since some people try to write their own paperwork using free applications and templates. A knowledgeable probate lawyer will draft a thorough estate plan that takes into account the demands of your family as well as your own. Then you can relax knowing that your estate will be handled according to your wishes and that there won’t be any complications or arguments for your loved ones to cope with after your passing.