Wheaton Estate Planning Attorney Helps Clients Create Lasting Legacies

Illinois firm assists with wills, trusts and advance medical directives

No one can predict the future, but you can make responsible decisions to ensure that your loved ones are protected and your wishes are honored regardless of what occurs. At Giudice Law, Ltd. in Wheaton, I create comprehensive estate plans for residents of DuPage and Kane Counties, as well as other Illinois communities. By taking the time to learn about each client’s unique circumstances and goals, my firm prepares wills, trusts, advance medical directives and other legal instruments that set forth clear directions regarding the distribution of property and other issues.

Preparation and revision of wills

Without a valid will in place, the property you own upon your death will be distributed based on the state’s intestacy laws. This might be counter to your wishes, so you should not hesitate to draft your will with the guidance of an experienced attorney who can see that the requirements of Illinois law are satisfied. Even if you have a will in place, it is smart to review it occasionally in case your intentions or financial circumstances have changed. I work personally with each client so they can be secure that their directions will be clear, enforceable and accurate.

Revocable and irrevocable trusts

Individuals who want to transfer assets upon death without requiring family members to wait through the probate process frequently establish a revocable living trust. By placing property into this type of trust, you can retain access to your assets for the rest of your life then disperse what remains to beneficiaries that you name outside of the probate system. You can also change the terms of this trust or dissolve it at any time. After learning about your specific objectives, I can also suggest other types of trusts that might fulfill your goals, such as the funding of a charitable cause or providing ongoing financial support for a special needs son or daughter. Certain trusts are irrevocable once they’ve been created, so it’s important to speak with a knowledgeable attorney before determining how to proceed. 

Power of attorney documents and advance medical directives

Careful estate planning involves more than the distribution of assets upon one’s death. Should you become incapacitated, you‘ll want to have an agent already designated to handle key concerns such as medical decisions and financial matters. With a durable power of attorney, you can have a legal instrument in place that names someone you trust to act on your behalf if you are unable to communicate due to injury or illness. You can confer broad authority on your agent or limit the power of attorney’s scope to certain issues. My firm drafts durable power of attorney documents, as well as advance directives that state your preferences regarding medical treatment and living wills to control what type of extraordinary medical measures, if any, that you want taken if you’re in terminal condition.

Get a free consultation from an estate planning lawyer serving DuPage and Kane Counties

Giudice Law, Ltd. in Wheaton assists Illinois residents with a full range of estate planning concerns, including the development of wills and trusts. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney about your specific needs, please call 630-984-7516 or contact me online. My firm serves English- and Spanish-speaking clients.