WHAT IS A WILL AND WHY DO I NEED ONE?
A will is your opportunity to decide what happens to all the property you have worked your entire life to obtain. You can specify that certain things go to certain people. You can also exclude specific persons, preventing them from inheriting anything from your estate. A will can also create trusts to provide for your children, and it allows you to nominate guardians who will raise your children upon your death. It also allows you to choose who will be in charge of wrapping up your affairs (your executor).
Many people have the misconception that without a will, the state will take your property. This is not the case. Illinois law directs that, in the absence of a will, your surviving spouse will receive half of your estate; the other half would be divided among your children. If there is no spouse or children, your estate would be divided among your descendants (parents, brothers, sisters, etc.). Therefore, if you die without a will, people whom you don't want to inherit your belongings may very well end up with a share.
A will can be one of the greatest gifts you do for your family in their time of loss. It removes the potential for fights and removes a large burden at a very difficult moment in their lives.
Because a will is one of the most important documents you will ever create, you want to make sure it is created and reviewed out by an experienced attorney who knows the law, keeps up to date and is responsive to your specific wishes.
I CAN ANSWER YOUR WILL QUESTIONS
If you are considering creating a WILL, you probably have many questions: How long will it take? What will the process be like? How much will it cost? I am honest and straightforward in the answers I provide. I tell you what your options may be and how the best possible results can be achieved.
Because each situation is different, the best way to get answers to your questions is to talk to me directly. I offer free and confidential consultations.
To schedule a consultation regarding the creation or review of a WILL, call me at 217-525-7003 or contact me online.