Estate Planning

Estate planning is important for everyone, but especially for people who have experienced a major life transition such as divorce, the birth of a child as a single parent, the adoption of a child, or the death of a spouse. If you had an estate plan before, you will want to update it to reflect that you are no longer married to your former spouse. If you didn't have an estate plan, especially if you have children, you will want to make arrangements to ensure they are provided for and cared for.

At the Law Office of Elizabeth Lidd Factor, P.C., we help many clients who need an updated estate plan due to divorce, birth or adoption of a child, or other life changes. The prospect of making an estate plan can seem daunting, and many of our family law clients appreciate not having to go out and find a new lawyer who is unfamiliar with them and their family matters. We are honored to not only help our clients through legal transitions, but to help them plan for life afterward, .

Essentials of Illinois Estate Planning

Many people put off estate planning because they think it means they are expecting to die. In reality, estate planning offers you peace of mind that your loved ones will be cared for and your wishes honored, so you can enjoy your life.

Depending on your circumstances, assets, and needs, your estate plan could be simple or complex. There are, however, a few documents that almost everyone should have. The process of putting those in place is much simpler than you might imagine. The Law Office of Elizabeth Lidd Factor, P.C. offers:

• Last Will and Testament
• Living Trust
• Power of Attorney for Healthcare
• Power of Attorney for Property
• Healthcare Directive

With a will, you can arrange for your property to be distributed in the event of your death and appoint a guardian for your child if the other parent is not available. A living trust is a simple document that allows you to remain in control of your assets during your life, and for a person you've chosen to manage them after your death according to your instructions. Powers of attorney let you appoint someone you trust to make health care or financial decisions for you in the event you become incapacitated. These powers may be needed unexpectedly or suddenly, in the event of an illness or serious accident, so it's critical to have them in place.

Illinois Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties

Without an estate plan, your future, and that of your children, is in the hands of a court that knows nothing about you and may not do what you'd prefer for you or your family. Take control of your family's future, and secure peace of mind for yourself, by creating or updating your estate plan.

We invite you to contact us to schedule a consultation to learn more about estate planning for Illinois residents. Conveniently located in La Grange, we serve clients in Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties and the surrounding area. We look forward to working with you.