Illinois Estate Planning Law Firm
Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney
Many people have heard of the idea of trying to avoid probate through the establishment of trusts. However, probate does not have to be a lengthy, wasteful process. When a will is carefully crafted to reflect the desires of an individual, probate is an orderly way to carry out that will. Contact a lawyer at Sokol & Mazian to discuss drafting a will, trust or power of attorney.
Asset Protection Through Trusts and Wills
Trusts can give a greater sense of control of assets to a spouse or other person designated in the trust. For this and other reasons, many people include both a will and trusts in an estate planning package. Other estate planning tools, such as a health care directive and power of attorney, are frequently part of an estate plan.
Revocable Living Trusts
Specific types of trusts, such as revocable living trusts are each designed with particular purposes in mind. In a revocable living trust, the grantor of the trust maintains the ability to alter or adjust the provisions of the trust, while he or she is still living. Upon death of the grantor, the proceeds of the trust are distributed to the beneficiaries. A revocable living trust still avoids the probate process, and has a number of advantages. A confidential, frank conversation with an estate planning lawyer is a good way to start the process of designing and formalizing an estate plan.
Discuss how wills or trusts can accomplish your goals with an Illinois estate planning lawyer. Contact the Cook County law offices of Sokol & Mazian to schedule a consultation with an attorney who will review any existing will or estate planning documents you have, listen carefully to your thoughts and help you craft documents that will carry out your intentions regarding the distribution of your assets.
