Kevin's firm handled setting up my will and trust recently. They took something that seemed intimidating and made it easy to understand. I've also referred a couple clients to Kevin - he's trustworthy, approachable and very fairly priced.
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"Kevin was extremely professional, responsive and knowledgeable when I came to him for help. I would definitely recommend O'Flaherty Law!"
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Estate planning is more than just drafting a will. As a Chicago estate planning lawyer, we help you navigate additional aspects that a will might not cover. Health care decisions are crucial; if you're unable to make them yourself, documents like health care power of attorney and living wills specify who can make these decisions on your behalf. It's about ensuring your healthcare wishes are respected when you can't communicate them.
Estate planning in Chicago involves carefully choosing beneficiaries for your possessions and assets. Certain assets, like insurance plans and pensions, pass on to heirs outside of a will. It’s vital to appoint appropriate beneficiaries and contingency beneficiaries. As your estate planning attorney in Chicago, we ensure these designations align with your intentions, providing a seamless transition of your assets.
The role of an executor is pivotal in managing your estate. They oversee the probate process, asset protection, debt settlement, and asset distribution. Choosing someone you trust, whether a family member or a neutral third party, is essential. As your Chicago estate planning attorney, we assist you in selecting an executor who aligns with your values and ensures your wishes are fulfilled. Our goal is to provide legal support and advice tailored to your unique situation, helping you make informed decisions.
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The purpose of a consultation is to determine whether our firm is a good fit for your legal needs. Although we often discuss expected results and costs, our attorneys do not give legal advice unless and until you choose to retain us.
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Chicago, IL 60606
I am personally committed to ensuring that each one of our clients receives the highest level of client service from our team. Our mission is to provide excellent legal work in a cost-effective manner while maintaining open lines of communication between our clients and their attorneys. Many of our clients are going through difficult times in their lives when they reach out to us. They should feel comfortable leaning on the experience and knowledge of our attorneys as their counselors and advocates. We are here to help!
Our Chicago estate planning attorneys outline the 8 goals of a good estate plan in this article.Four General Goals that Apply to Most People:
1. Appointment of Fiduciaries and Distribution of Assets When You Pass;
2. Avoiding probate when you pass;
3. Guardianship avoidance upon mental incompetence;
4. End of Life Decision-Making;
Four Goals that Only Apply in Specific Circumstances
5. Estate Tax Planning;
6. Special Needs Planning;
7. Creditor Protection; and
8. Medicaid Planning.
These next two articles by our Chicago estate planning attorneys discuss appointing fiduciaries and arrange asset distribution. Your estate plan's purpose is the appointment of executors or trustees to manage your estate once you pass. It's purpose also enables individuals you appoint to make healthcare and financial decisions for you in case you become mentally incompetent. The next article on asset distribution discusses how your assets will be distributed after you pass both with and without a will or trust.
Our Chicago estate planning attorneys discuss revocable living trusts and what ways they are used to avoid probate, which can be time consuming and costly. Probate is required in Illinois when you pass away and have real estate worth $100,000.00 or more outside of a trust.Avoiding probate will save your estate time and money. The costs of probate can be between 5% and 10% of the estate value in court and attorneys fees. Probate also may take a year or more which causes your loved ones to wait to receive your assets, which is what makes revocable living trusts so lucrative. These trusts act as the primary vehicle of your estate plan. We will ensure that your estate avoids probate and your estate will pass immediately to your loved ones.