Estate Planning That Fits Your Life
Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do for your family—yet many people put it off, unsure where to start or worried about cost. Learn about the common estate planning mistakes to avoid. At Skokie Probate Lawyer, we make the process straightforward and affordable with transparent flat-fee pricing and clear explanations of your options.
What’s Included in a Comprehensive Estate Plan?
A complete estate plan typically includes several interconnected documents:
Revocable Living Trust
A trust allows your assets to pass to heirs without going through probate court. It also provides:
- Privacy (trusts aren’t public record like wills)
- Flexibility (you can modify it during your lifetime)
- Incapacity planning (a successor trustee can manage assets if you become unable to)
Last Will and Testament
Even with a trust, a “pour-over” will ensures any assets not transferred to the trust are distributed according to your wishes. For clients without trusts, a standalone will directs asset distribution.
Power of Attorney for Property (Financial)
This document names someone to manage your finances if you become incapacitated. Without it, your family may need to go to court to obtain guardianship—a costly and time-consuming process.
Power of Attorney for Health Care
Also called a healthcare proxy, this document names someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot communicate your wishes.
Living Will (Advance Directive)
A living will expresses your wishes regarding end-of-life medical treatment, including the use of life-sustaining measures.
Planning for All Family Structures
We work with families of all types:
- Traditional families with spouses and children
- Blended families with children from previous relationships
- Unmarried partners who need legal protections
- Single individuals who want to designate their chosen beneficiaries
- Families with special needs members requiring coordinated planning
Your estate plan should reflect your actual life—not a one-size-fits-all template.
Our Flat-Fee Approach
Unlike many attorneys who bill by the hour (leaving you uncertain about the final cost), we offer most estate planning services on a flat-fee basis. During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and provide a clear quote for the work needed.
This approach benefits you in several ways:
- No surprises—you know the cost upfront
- No meter running—take the time you need to ask questions
- Complete package—the fee covers all documents, not just one
The Estate Planning Process
Step 1: Initial Consultation We’ll discuss your family situation, assets, goals, and concerns. This meeting typically takes 60-90 minutes and gives us the information needed to recommend an appropriate plan.
Step 2: Plan Design Based on our consultation, we’ll explain your options and recommend specific documents and strategies. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and make decisions about your plan.
Step 3: Document Drafting We prepare your customized documents, reviewing them with you to ensure everything is correct.
Step 4: Signing Ceremony We guide you through proper execution of all documents with appropriate witnesses and notarization.
Step 5: Trust Funding (If Applicable) If your plan includes a trust, we assist with transferring assets into the trust—a crucial step that many attorneys skip.
Schedule Your Estate Planning Consultation
Ready to protect your family? Call 847-410-9131 to schedule your consultation. We’ll discuss your situation, explain your options, and provide a clear fee quote—no obligation.
