Lombard, IL Estate Planning Lawyers

Experienced Attorneys for Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and More in Lombard, Illinois

Planning for the future may not always be easy, but it is essential. A comprehensive estate plan can provide security and peace of mind for you and your family, ensuring that your wishes will be honored and your loved ones will be protected. Without clear instructions in place, your assets may be distributed according to state law rather than following your wishes, and your family may face unnecessary stress, legal disputes, and costly court proceedings during an already difficult time.

At A. Traub & Associates, we can help you take control of your legacy by creating an estate plan that reflects your values, your financial goals, and your family's needs. Whether you are starting with a basic will or need to establish complex trusts and guardianship arrangements, our attorneys can provide you with thoughtful, experienced guidance at every step.

Why Estate Planning Matters

Estate planning is not just about passing on wealth. By making important decisions while you have the ability to do so, you can make sure your own needs will be addressed in the future, and you can make sure your wishes will be followed correctly. With a well-structured estate plan, you can:

• Appoint guardians for minor children or dependents with disabilities
• Provide for loved ones with special needs without jeopardizing other benefits that they can receive
• Designate someone who can make medical and financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated
• Minimize tax burdens on your estate
• Prevent disputes among your heirs

Estate Planning Services We Provide

Wills and Trusts

A will is one of the most important documents in any estate plan. It allows you to name beneficiaries, specify your preferences for who should serve as guardians for minor children, and provide instructions for how different assets should be distributed to your heirs. Without a valid will, your estate will be administered according to Illinois intestacy laws, which may not reflect your preferences.

A trust can be used to manage assets during your lifetime and distribute them after your death, often without the need for probate. Trusts can also provide asset protection, reduce tax exposure, and offer more control over when and how beneficiaries receive their inheritances. We can help create wills and trusts to make sure you and your family will be prepared for the future.

Powers of Attorney

A power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated. A power of attorney for property covers financial matters, such as managing bank accounts, paying bills, and handling real estate. A power of attorney for health care authorizes someone to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to communicate your wishes. These documents can ensure that a trusted person will act in your best interests.

Living Wills

A living will, also known as an advance directive, outlines your preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment in the event of a terminal illness or irreversible medical condition. You can provide guidance for healthcare providers and loved ones during emotionally charged moments, helping to reduce uncertainty while honoring your values. We can help draft living wills that are clear, legally valid, and consistent with your overall health care goals.

Special Needs Trusts

Families who care for loved ones with disabilities often face unique challenges. With a special needs trust, you can provide financial support to a loved one who is disabled without affecting their ability to qualify for benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These trusts require careful drafting to ensure that they meet the applicable legal requirements. We can help establish and manage special needs trusts, ensuring that your family members will have long-term security and peace of mind.

Adult Guardianships

When a loved one becomes unable to manage their own affairs due to age, illness, or disability, it may be necessary to petition the court for a legal guardianship. An adult guardianship can give you or another person the authority to make decisions on behalf of a person who is disabled or incapacitated. We can help establish guardianships for aging parents, adult children with disabilities, and others in need of protection.

Contested Wills

Disputes may arise if a will is unclear, appears to have been created under duress, or leaves significant assets to unexpected parties. Our attorneys represent clients in disputes over contested wills. We can work with executors or estate administrators to defend a will, or we can help heirs or beneficiaries challenge the validity of a will. We have experience litigating claims involving undue influence, lack of testamentary capacity, fraud, and improper execution.

Disputed Documents

Beyond wills, estate disputes may involve questionable powers of attorney, trust amendments, or other estate planning instruments. We assist clients in resolving issues related to disputed estate planning documents. We can provide guidance on the best ways to handle disputes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

Representing Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries of an estate or trust may need legal help to ensure their rights are upheld during the estate administration process. We provide representation for beneficiaries who believe they have been treated unfairly, are receiving inaccurate information, or are facing unreasonable delays. Whether your concern involves trust mismanagement or improper distribution of an estate's assets, we are ready to help protect your inheritance.

Contact Our Lombard, IL Estate Planning Attorneys

At A. Traub & Associates, we work to make the estate planning process as easy as possible, and we can provide you and your family with reliable guidance every step of the way. Whether you are drafting a will, need to establish a trust, or want to address more complex financial issues, our attorneys are here to help you plan wisely for the future.

To begin crafting your estate plan or to update your existing documents, contact us at 630-426-0196. Schedule a confidential consultation today and take the first step toward securing your legacy.