Comprehensive Estate Planning Attorneys In Wheaton, Illinois

Knowledgeable DuPage County Will and Trust Preparation Lawyers

Most Americans do not have a will or trust. If you die without these estate planning instruments, important decisions about the custody of minor children and the distribution of your assets will be made by judges and legislators who do not know you or your family. If the documents are incomplete, out of date, or improperly executed, your heirs could spend months or years in an expensive and emotionally-charged litigation proceeding.

At the Law Offices of Salvatore C. Miglore & Associates, we help Illinois families prepare these important instruments. We can also assist with a power of attorney, medical power of attorney and other estate planning documents. Most importantly, our estate planning attorneys can give you professional legal advice so you can be confident you are preparing the proper documents in the correct way.

Our lawyers take the time to meet with you personally and tailor an estate plan for your specific needs. At a minimum, a complete plan should include:

• Will: Perhaps the most fundamental and essential estate planning document, a will makes specific provisions for the people and property you leave behind.
• Trust: You can elect to place assets in either a living or testamentary trust, so resources are available to your heirs at the time you designate.
• Power of Attorney: Some powers of attorney take effect when you die or become disabled, while others allow you to designate an agent to take care of important business matters in your absence. A medical power of attorney gives instructions to physicians regarding life support and other end-of-life issues.

All these documents let you assume control of the situation and make significant decisions with a trusted advisor who carefully explains all your options and gives you the time you need for reflection and action. A good rule of thumb is to have an attorney review your estate planning documents every four or five years, or whenever you expect life-changing events, such as a marriage, divorce, new career or new business. The law changes frequently, as do your family’s needs, and our attorneys are knowledgeable about the changes that apply to your situation.

Many people have questions about probate. This is the term for the legal proceeding which puts your estate planning documents into effect after your death. The court must approve the instruments and give the proper authority to your executor, trustee, attorney in fact or other personal representative. A comprehensive estate plan streamlines the process and, in some cases, can also help your heirs avoid unnecessary taxes and other costs.

To make sure your estate plan is in order, contact the Law Offices of Salvatore C. Miglore & Associates today for a free consultation. Our estate planning attorneys serve clients throughout Cook, Will, Lake, Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, McHenry and DuPage Counties. Call us at (630) 933-8400.