High-net-worth individuals face unique challenges: estate tax liability, asset protection from creditors and lawsuits, business succession planning, and maintaining privacy. A comprehensive trust-based plan with sophisticated tax strategies can save your family hundreds of thousands—or even millions—in taxes and legal fees. We'll design a plan that protects your wealth, minimizes tax exposure, and ensures your legacy is preserved for generations.

A will takes effect after your death and must go through probate court (a public, time-consuming process where anyone can see what you owned and who inherited it). A trust avoids probate entirely, provides complete privacy, and gives you control over when and how beneficiaries receive assets—particularly valuable for protecting inheritances from young beneficiaries, spendthrift children, or second marriages. Many comprehensive estate plans include both.

Complex situations are exactly where personalized legal guidance matters most. My experience with diverse family structures and business planning allows me to create sophisticated strategies that address competing interests while protecting everyone involved.

Federal estate tax exemptions change with legislation, and proper planning can significantly reduce or eliminate tax liability. Strategies include irrevocable life insurance trusts, charitable giving structures, gifting strategies, and sophisticated trust planning. We'll analyze your specific situation and develop a tax-efficient strategy tailored to your estate.

Absolutely. Business succession planning ensures continuity, protects your family's financial security, and minimizes tax consequences. We address ownership transfer, buy-sell agreements, key person protection, and strategies to preserve business value while providing for your family.

Online templates can't account for your unique family dynamics, Illinois law nuances, or potential complications. A mistake in a DIY estate plan can cost your family far more in court fees, taxes, and conflict than proper legal guidance costs. Additionally, improperly executed documents may be entirely invalid, leaving you as if you'd done nothing at all.

Review your plan every 3-5 years or whenever major life changes occur: marriage, divorce, birth of children, death of named beneficiaries or fiduciaries, significant asset changes, moves to another state, or changes in your relationships with named individuals.

Your family must petition the court for guardianship—a public, expensive, and time-consuming process. Powers of attorney allow someone you trust to step in immediately without court involvement, saving time, money, and stress.

Asset protection planning uses specific trust structures, business entities, and strategic titling to shield wealth from future creditors, lawsuits, and claims. This must be done proactively—before threats arise—to be effective. We'll evaluate your risk exposure and implement appropriate protections.

Yes. Trust-based planning allows you to protect inherited assets from your beneficiaries' creditors, divorcing spouses, and their own financial mismanagement. Discretionary trusts, spendthrift provisions, and incentive structures ensure your wealth benefits your children without putting it at risk.

Multi-state property ownership creates additional complexity. Real estate in other states may require ancillary probate proceedings unless properly titled in a trust. We'll ensure your plan addresses all properties efficiently and coordinates with the laws of each relevant jurisdiction.

Costs vary based on plan complexity and your specific needs. During your consultation, we'll discuss pricing with complete transparency so you can make an informed decision. Remember: the cost of proper planning now is far less than the cost of probate, family conflict, and poor planning later.

Yes. Estate planning isn't just about wealth—it's about control and protection. Even modest assets can create conflict and court costs without proper documentation. More importantly, estate planning addresses guardianship for children, healthcare decisions, and financial management during incapacity—concerns that affect everyone regardless of net worth.