Chicago Estate Planning Lawyer

Few people like to dwell on estate planning because it involves planning for death. Death isn’t a topic a lot of people are comfortable discussing. A Chicago estate planning lawyer such as  Jay F. Fortier, P.C. we understand how you feel, and work to make this necessary and sometimes unpleasant task easy to understand and as easy as possible to implement when the time comes.

Our specialties include estate and business succession plans that are personally suited to your unique circumstances, both financially and legally. It does not matter what size your estate happens to be either. We value all our clients and ensure their wishes are properly put forth in any legal documents. That’s the key to peace of mind. We also help you focus on asset protection, tax planning, transfers and how they need to happen legally, charitable contributions, health care wishes, retirement planning and even future child custody. These areas are crucial to making sure that your wishes are carried out the way you want them to be. Tools such as trusts, wills and probate proceedings are some of the many options that the law provides for you to financially protect yourself and your family.

Elder Law
Elder care planning is an issue that often arises in the context of estate planning. In the 21st century people are living longer and there are real challenges involved in protecting assets now to provide for care later. Guardianship, living wills and the durable power of attorney for health care are potential solutions to problems in elder care as well as in estate planning. It is important to most seniors that they retain their full independence for as long as possible. However, seniors, unfortunately, are often the most vulnerable to victimization. Physical and mental abuse, neglect and financial exploitation are all too common. We are fully prepared to help you and your family deal with the sometimes complex and emotional challenges that are presented by the aging process.

Wills
Wills are not just documents to give away assets, etc. They are stories of hopes told after the person has passed on. We want that story to be told the way it needs to be told – from the heart of the client who had us write the will. Without a will or trust your estate will be left to a probate court that will dispose of your assets according to state inheritance laws. The results may be far different than anything that you would have intended. Talk to us about your circumstances and what you want to have happen in the event of your death. Working together we will have a plan that achieves your goals.

Trusts
Trusts are agreements between three parties – the creator of the trust, the beneficiary of the trust and the trustee who holds the assets of the trust for the benefit of the beneficiary. The trust is for the benefit of the beneficiary and the trustee only administers the trust.
There many different kinds of trusts with different estate planning and tax consequences including, for example, living trusts, testamentary trusts, charitable trusts, insurance trusts and gift trusts. A trust may help to reduce the amount of taxes you pay. Whichever route you choose to go with will largely depend on what your goals are and on what your specific financial situation is.

Chicago Estate Planning Lawyer - Commitment

In this complex area of law, our commitment to you is to make this journey one you understand, appreciate and benefit from in the long-term. We don’t believe in making things more complicated than they have to be. Planning for the future with you is planning for the future of the next generation – a sacred trust we honor and respect. We don’t just plan things out for you, we take the time to fully assess your background, finances and your goals and then make sure you get what you want. At The Law Office of Jay F. Fortier, P.C. we understand that your plans for today are the future plans for your family. Give us a call for a free consultation and let’s talk about how we may assist you with estate planning.