Planning for the future is never easy, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Illness, injury, or unexpected incapacity can leave families facing tough decisions. Without a plan, your wishes for your medical care, property, and financial assets may not be honored.
At Crosby Law Firm, our Rockford, IL, estate planning lawyer provides clear, compassionate guidance. We take the time to understand your goals, explain your options, and build a plan that ensures your choices are legally valid and meet your family’s needs. Whether you want to draft a will, create a trust, or establish powers of attorney, we’re here to make the process straightforward and stress-free.
When you work with Crosby Law Firm, your future is in good hands. We’ll provide dependable legal services to secure your assets and protect your interests. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
How We Help With Estate Planning in Rockford, IL
Since 1980, Crosby Law Firm has been handling estate planning for clients throughout Illinois. Our experienced Rockford estate planning lawyer is here to help you prepare for the future and take legal steps to protect yourself and your family.
Our Services
We can help you through every aspect of your estate planning journey. Services we offer include:
- Establishing wills and trusts
- Establishing living trust agreements
- Navigating probate and trust administration
- Establishing powers of attorney (POA)
- Planning guardianship for minors and incapacitated adults
- Creating strategies to reduce estate taxes
- Assisting with real estate transfers and related legal issues
- Drafting letters of intent or provisions for charitable giving
- Other estate planning services
Without proper legal guidance, crucial details can be missed, resulting in assets being tied up in probate or distributed in ways you never intended. Our attorney provides the technical knowledge and impartial perspective needed to make the best decisions for you and your family.
What Is Included In an Estate Plan?
An effective estate plan often includes:
- A will and trust(s)
- A living will and/or living trust
- Powers of attorney
- Beneficiary designations
- Letters of intent
- Guardianship designations
- Property and asset lists
- Provisions for digital assets
- Planned giving/donations
By combining these elements, your plan can reduce disputes, limit tax burdens, and give your family clarity when it matters most. Get started by calling (815) 397-2006 to speak with our qualified Rockford estate planning attorney.
What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do?
An experienced estate planning lawyer can do much more than just prepare your will or help you set up a trust. Many other estate planning steps call for effective legal guidance. Working with an attorney ensures that every aspect of your plan complies with Illinois law and reflects your intentions.
Contemplating and preparing for one’s own death can also take an emotional toll. Our experienced attorney offers unparalleled support throughout the entire process.
Executors & Estate Administration
Naming an executor is a critical part of any estate plan. Your executor will handle the management of your estate. This includes overseeing the probate process, safeguarding assets, settling debts, and distributing assets according to your will. If no executor is named, the court may appoint one, which can lead to disagreements among family members.
Our Rockford estate planning lawyer offers guidance in selecting an executor and ensures all legal documents are drafted to support their role.
What Happens If I Don’t Have an Estate Plan?
If you pass away or become incapacitated without an estate plan, state law will dictate what happens next. Consequences may include:
- Probate: Without an estate plan, your assets will be distributed according to state laws. Your family will have to go through the probate process to settle your estate. This can be time-consuming and emotionally and financially taxing. Additionally, this may lead to improper asset distribution and expose your private information to the public.
- Unexpected Incapacitation: If you ever become incapacitated and are unable to make important decisions regarding your medical care or finances, you must entrust the duty to someone who will act in your best interests.
Without a plan, your family may have to petition the court to assign a guardian or conservator. This process is often costly, lengthy, and stressful.
By working with Crosby Law Firm, you can create documents that outline your wishes for medical care, including end-of-life choices. You can also apply strategies to eliminate the need for probate.
A Family Estate Planning Attorney in Illinois
The estate planning process can be overwhelming, but with help from Crosby Law Firm, it doesn’t have to be. Attorney Michael Crosby offers decades of legal experience helping clients throughout Illinois secure their futures and gain peace of mind.
What Estate Planning Documents Do I Need?
When meeting with our Rockford estate planning attorney, please bring the following documents:
- Will or trust documents
- Titles and property deeds
- Insurance policy documents (for life insurance, health insurance, etc.)
- Prior gift tax returns (if any)
- Documents related to applications for public benefits
- 401(K) documents
- IRA documents
- Pension information
- Digital asset information
Contact our law office today to schedule an initial consultation.
