Estate Planning in Frankfort

Today, many individuals have more access to information about financial matters than ever before, but more than half of Americans still don't have a will. Some mistakenly believe that when they die or become disabled, their affairs will automatically be managed by loved ones. This couldn't be further from the truth; in fact, everyone needs an estate plan to ensure their wishes are carried out.

At Massari Law, we design comprehensive estate planning strategies for individuals and families in the Chicago Metro Area. We have extensive experience preparing estate planning documents and knowledge of a variety of related matters including long-term care planning, estate tax planning, and probate administration. We are committed to putting your best interests first and giving you peace of mind.

An estate is everything that an individual owns including a house and any other real estate, automobiles checking and savings accounts, investments, retirement benefits such as 401(k)s and IRAs, insurance policies, jewelry, collectibles and other personal belongings.

A well-designed estate plan will specify how your assets will be distributed to your beneficiaries, plan for incapacity and minimize estate taxes through the use of essential estate planning documents, including: 

• Last Will and Testament or Will

• Revocable Living Trust

• Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Matters
• Health Care Proxy
• Living Will
• HIPAA Waiver

There are a number of benefits of having an estate plan including planning for incapacity, avoiding probate and providing for minor children.

• Providing for Incapacity. If you become incapacitated, you will be unable to manage your financial affairs or make decisions about the type of health care you prefer.  We can help you put in place a durable power of attorney to manage your accounts, pay bills and make other financial decisions. In addition, it is essential to plan for your medical care by using a durable power of attorney for health care, or health care proxy. This document designates a trusted relative or friend to make decisions about your medical care you prefer when you cannot speak for yourself.
•  Avoiding Probate. When you die, if you have a will, your estate will go through a court supervised process known as probate which is expensive, time-consuming and open to the public. A well thought-out estate plan can take advantage of certain trusts that allow your assets to be privately passed to your loved ones without going through probate.

• Providing for Minor Children. It is essential that you plan for the upbringing of your children, as well as providing for their financial and medical needs if you die. With a properly drafted will, you can name a guardian for your children in the event that you die, or your spouse dies simultaneously or becomes incapacitated.

At Massari Law, we tailor estate planning solutions for clients in Cook, Dupage, Lake and Will Counties. While a simple estate plan is well suited for most clients, we recognize that their needs will change over their lifetime, and we continue to work with them to ensure their plan is up-to-date. We will help you explore a variety of estate planning options that protect your assets, provide for your loved ones and ensure that your wishes are carried out. Call our law office in Frankfort today for a free consultation.