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Living Trusts & Wills Attorneys in Rockford, IL

After working hard throughout your life to provide for yourself and your family, you want to ensure your assets are distributed properly after death. Having a strategy in place in the form of an estate plan is key to protecting your assets.

Our estate planning attorneys in Rockford, IL work personally with clients to help them plan for the future. If you’re interested in setting up a living will or trust, we can help you understand the distinctions between the two and which option is best for you. We’ll also ensure you understand the legal steps involved in drafting these documents. Our goal is to make the estate planning process as straightforward as possible.

If you’re concerned about what will happen to your family after your death, or if something unexpected occurs, you’re not alone. Drafting an estate plan may sound overwhelming and even unnerving. However, with help from the Crosby Law Firm, you can easily prepare for the future and protect your family. Discussing legal matters related to death can be uncomfortable and complicated, but we’re here to simplify the process.

What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Living Trust?

A will ensures the distribution of your assets is according to your wishes following your death. This can include bank accounts, property, stocks, and other assets. It also outlines plans for the care of any minor children and the repayment of outstanding debts. Your will must be in writing and follow all necessary legal guidelines to be considered valid.

In a living will, you can outline your wishes regarding medical treatments and life-sustaining measures. This provides guidance to healthcare professionals and your loved ones, ensuring that your medical care aligns with your values even when you cannot voice them directly.

Within this document, you can also name a medical power of attorney (POA). A medical POA is in charge of making medical decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so.

You can also name a financial POA who is responsible for managing financial decisions, or a general POA. A general POA has the power to act in your stead in financial and legal situations. You can customize the rights of any POA based on your personal guidelines and preferences, which can be as strict as you like.

In regards to a living trust, there are some areas that are similar to a will. A living trust helps determine your property management both during your lifetime and after you pass away. This fiduciary agreement allows a third-party trustee to manage assets on your behalf. The specific terms of a trust are dependent on what assets you want to pass on to beneficiaries.

Benefits of trusts include having specific control over your wealth, meaning you determine when and to whom any distributions are made. Trusts also help protect your legacy from beneficiaries who are not qualified to manage money. Trusts can also protect your privacy more effectively than wills and eliminate the need to go through the probate process.

Why Work With Our Attorneys

Understanding the pros and cons to wills and trusts is crucial when deciding which option is best for you. There are also many intricacies that come with drafting these documents so they meet all your expectations.

No matter the size of your estate, effective management offers significant advantages to your family. Rockford estate planning reduces the likelihood of legal complications, disputes, and excessive expenses.

When it comes to safeguarding your assets and planning for your family’s future, partnering with an experienced estate planning lawyer is essential.

Our estate planning and living trust attorneys in Rockford, IL provide unwavering support when you’re drafting a will or trust. From the initial stages to final administration, we show the utmost care in securing your assets. We understand that estate planning takes on a more meaningful role beyond just paperwork. It’s about preserving your intentions, desires, and aspirations for your family members.

Contact Crosby Law Firm | Rockford, Illinois Trust & Estate Lawyers

You might feel intimidated about setting up a will or a living trust. Fortunately, at the Crosby Law Firm, our Rockford trust and estate lawyers are well-versed in this area of law. We dedicate ourselves to ensuring your wishes regarding your assets are respected during and after your lifetime. With over 150 years of combined experience, you can rely on our team.

Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation and start preparing for your future.

Call us now to get the legal advice you need.(815) 397-2006

Client Testimonials

Very thorough and professional. Staff is detail oriented, kind and compassionate. Handled my case quickly, saving me thousands of dollars. 10/10 would definitely hire again.

Denny Sanders

7/5/18

Client Testimonials

The Crosby Law Firm, specifically Danielle Burza- Smith helped me with my landlord and estate planning issues. Danielle explained everything really well! Would definitely recommend!

Staci Donald

6/25/18

Client Testimonials

Really good firm !!! Everyone there has made me feel welcome and when talking to attorney I feel like I’m talking to a friend. Staff is polite and very accommodating not to mention they always answer all of my questions and have never made me feel degraded because I don’t understand legal lingo like another firm did to me. Highly recommended !!!

Nicole Almond

6/21/18

Client Testimonials

I didn’t have to wait long to be seen. The staff was very friendly. I’m confident that they can handle my problem.

Don Kristofek

7/21/18

Contact us Today! Call us at (815) 397-2006 or