Illinois Living Trusts FAQs

Barrington Estate Planning Lawyer Answers Living Trust Questions

Who Should Write My Living Trust?

Only an attorney should write a living trust. An experienced estate planning attorney can provide valuable guidance for your individual situation. A trust is a legal document and only an attorney can ensure that the document is appropriate for your situation and conforms to state law. Avoid "do-it-yourself" kits and form books. Only an attorney is authorized to give you legal advice and you should receive legal advice in preparing your living trusts.

If I Have A Living Trust, Do I Still Need A Will?

A living trust is only part of a complete estate plan. You should have a pour-over will, which "catches" any property you may have overlooked in funding your trust and places the property in your trust at your death, unless your assets exceed the probate criteria. This ensures that your plan of distribution is followed, even if you accidentally overlooked something. Your attorney may suggest other legal documents as part of your estate plan.

Are Living Trusts New?

Living trusts have been used for hundreds of years and due to an increase in public awareness, are becoming the modern day approach to avoiding the pitfalls of a will and probate.

How Can I Learn More About Living Trusts?

Talking to professionals who are skilled in the preparation of living trusts can answer many of your questions. To speak with someone for more information about living trusts, please call 847-381-8700 or use our online contact form. We serve estate planning clients throughout northern Illinois from our Barrington office.

This website is not intended to constitute legal advice or the provision of legal services. By posting and/or maintaining the website and its contents, Lucas Law does not intend to solicit business from clients located in states or jurisdictions outside of Illinois wherein Lucas Law or its individual attorney(s) are not licensed or authorized to practice law.