In this article, our Wheaton trust attorneys explain how revocable living trusts allow you to avoid a costly and stressful probate case.

In the state of Illinois, if you own $100,000 of non-real estate assets and real estate outside of a trust, probate is mandatory. Probate court can end up costing you 5% to 10% of the estate in attorneys fees and court costs.

Not only is it costly, but it is time-consuming. Probate cases take up to a year or more to complete before distributing your inheritance. 

Using a revocable living trust will allow easy passage of assets to your loved ones when you pass. This article will aid you in avoiding the stressful, lengthy, and costly process of probate. 

Read the full article by our Wheaton will and trust lawyers explaining why revocable living trusts are crucial in avoiding probate in Wheaton. 

In this article, our Wheaton will attorneys explain what wills are and how to create one.

Wills are intended for the purpose of transferring assets when you pass and can also serve the purpose of naming a guardian for minor children. We give you a step-by-step process to fully understand how you can secure your loved one's future using a will.

Read the full article by our Wheaton will attorneys explaining wills under Illinois law. 

In this article, our Wheaton trust attorneys explain ways to minimize and reduce estate tax.

The article first goes over AB trusts, which allow married couples to use each other's estate tax exemptions. We also discuss irrevocable life insurance trusts, which are designed to remove the death benefit of your life insurance policies from your taxable estate. Finally, we explain grantor retained annuity trusts, grantor retained income trusts, and grantor retained unitrusts. These allow assets to accumulate in value without that value being included in your taxable estate.

Read the full article by our Wheaton trust attorneys about how to use trusts to reduce and minimize estate tax.