- Consumer's Choice Award 2019
- Consumer's Choice Award 2020
- Consumer's Choice Award 2021
- Consumer's Choice Award 2022
- Consumer's Choice Award 2023
- Consumer's Choice Award 2024
Planning a will is an important step for residents of Summit who want to control how their assets are distributed and who will care for loved ones. At Frankfort Law Group we help families in Cook County prepare clear, legally sound wills that reflect personal wishes and protect beneficiaries. This service page explains the will process in Illinois and how thoughtful planning reduces uncertainty and stress for those left behind.
A properly drafted will addresses distribution of property, appointment of an estate representative, and any guardianship arrangements for minors. Many local families seek guidance to ensure documents follow Illinois law and state filing requirements. If you have questions about property, beneficiaries, or medical directives tied to planning, our team in Summit can review options and next steps to create a will that fits your family circumstances and goals.
Creating a will brings clarity to how your assets are handled after your death and reduces disputes among family members. A will lets you name a personal representative to settle the estate and designate guardians for minor children, providing reassurance that your wishes will be followed. Proper planning can also streamline the probate process in Cook County, helping reduce delays and unnecessary costs for heirs and loved ones left to manage the estate.
Frankfort Law Group serves Summit and surrounding Cook County communities, offering practical guidance on wills and estate planning matters. Our attorneys focus on clear communication, careful document preparation, and realistic planning tailored to each client’s family and property situation. We guide clients through decision points, explain Illinois probate procedures, and coordinate with financial or tax advisors when necessary to implement a durable and understandable plan.
A will is a legal document that states how you want your assets distributed and who will administer your estate. It covers distribution of personal property, real estate, and financial accounts that do not already pass by beneficiary designation. Many people prepare a will after major life events such as marriage, the birth of a child, or when acquiring significant assets, to ensure their wishes are legally recorded and can be followed after they pass away.
In Illinois, a will must meet formal requirements to be valid, including signatures and witness rules, and should be reviewed after changes in circumstances. Without a will, the state’s intestacy laws determine distribution, which may not match your preferences. A will also allows you to express non-financial wishes, such as funeral preferences or the appointment of trusted people to care for minor children, giving family members clear instructions during a difficult time.
A will is a written instrument that communicates your instructions about asset distribution, guardianship, and appointment of an estate representative. It functions alongside other planning documents like powers of attorney and health care directives to form a complete estate plan. A will becomes operative on death and is subject to probate court review in many cases, so it should be drafted with attention to clarity and compliance with Illinois statutory requirements to avoid avoidable disputes or delays.
Key elements of a will include identification of the testator, designation of beneficiaries, appointment of a personal representative, and any guardianship nominations for minors. After death, wills that require court supervision typically go through probate, which involves validating the will, inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property. Understanding these steps helps families anticipate timeline, potential costs, and documentation needed for a smoother estate settlement.
Familiarity with fundamental terms can make discussions about wills and estate planning more productive. Below are concise definitions of terms you may encounter during planning or probate. Knowing these concepts helps you make informed decisions and communicate effectively with your attorney and family when preparing or revising a will under Illinois law.
The personal representative is the person named in a will to manage the estate administration after death. Responsibilities typically include filing the will with probate court, gathering assets, paying valid debts and taxes, and distributing property to beneficiaries according to the will’s instructions. Choosing a reliable and organized representative helps ensure the estate is administered efficiently and in accordance with the decedent’s wishes.
Intestacy occurs when someone dies without a valid will. In that circumstance, Illinois law prescribes how the decedent’s property is distributed among surviving relatives. Distribution under intestacy may not reflect personal wishes about guardianship or allocation of assets. Creating a will prevents intestacy rules from controlling and allows individuals to designate specific recipients and decision-makers for their estate.
A beneficiary is an individual or entity named in a will to receive assets from the estate. Beneficiaries can be family members, friends, charities, or organizations. Clear naming and identification of beneficiaries, including contingency provisions, reduces confusion and helps the personal representative carry out distribution according to the decedent’s intentions under Illinois probate procedures.
A guardianship nomination in a will indicates who should care for minor children if both parents are deceased. While courts make final determinations, a nomination provides strong guidance reflecting parental preference. Including this nomination and any relevant instructions helps family members and the court understand your wishes and supports continuity of care for children in the event of an untimely death.
When planning a will, individuals can choose a straightforward document for basic distribution or pursue a more comprehensive plan that addresses tax considerations, trusts, and long-term care contingencies. The right approach depends on factors such as asset complexity, family structure, and whether you own property in multiple states. Reviewing options with a local attorney helps ensure documents reflect your goals and reduce the likelihood of disputes during probate.
A simple will is often suitable for individuals whose assets and financial affairs are straightforward, where beneficiaries are obvious and there are no complex tax or trust needs. This approach provides a direct method to name a personal representative and distribute property without additional layering. Families with straightforward estates can find this is a cost-effective way to ensure legal control over final wishes and reduce uncertainty.
If there is no requirement for a trust, no multi-state property concerns, and no need for special protections for beneficiaries, a focused will may cover your needs. This simpler planning route works well for people who want clear, direct instructions and who do not face complex estate tax or long-term care issues. Reviewing financial accounts and beneficiary designations remains important alongside a will.
Comprehensive planning is often appropriate for individuals with real estate holdings, business interests, retirement accounts, or blended family arrangements. In these circumstances, combining a will with trusts, beneficiary reviews, and tax planning can preserve assets and reduce conflicts among heirs. A coordinated plan helps address contingencies, clarify succession for business or property, and align documents with overall financial goals over the long term.
When beneficiaries include minors, individuals with disabilities, or others needing financial oversight, a comprehensive plan can provide tailored protections such as trusts, structured distributions, and guardianship planning. Additionally, larger estates may require tax-aware strategies to preserve value for heirs. Addressing these matters proactively reduces the administrative burden on survivors and helps ensure resources are used as intended.
A comprehensive estate plan goes beyond naming beneficiaries to incorporate health care directives, powers of attorney, trusts, and asset titling reviews. This holistic approach can prevent gaps between documents, reduce the need for court intervention, and make decision-making clearer for trusted agents. Thoughtful coordination of documents helps families preserve privacy, manage taxes, and protect vulnerable loved ones more effectively than a standalone will in many situations.
Integrating wills with other planning tools simplifies estate administration and can shorten probate timelines. Reviewing beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and insurance policies alongside a will ensures assets pass as intended. For those with business interests or real estate, the comprehensive approach helps align succession plans and ownership transitions, reducing disruption and giving heirs a clearer path forward after your passing.
A full plan lets you specify not only who receives assets but how and when distributions occur, which is valuable for managing long-term needs or protecting inheritances. Trusts and structured distributions can prevent immediate depletion of assets, provide for ongoing care, and reduce the chance of disagreements among heirs. Clear instructions and properly structured documents give families a well-defined roadmap for carrying out your wishes efficiently.
When documents are coordinated and up to date, family members face fewer surprises and administrative hurdles during a difficult time. A comprehensive plan anticipates common issues such as creditor claims, tax obligations, and property transfer logistics. By addressing these matters in advance, you lessen the emotional and procedural load on those who must carry out your wishes, helping preserve personal relationships and minimize conflict.
Before meeting with an attorney, compile key documents such as property deeds, account statements, insurance policies, and existing beneficiary designations. Having a clear inventory of assets and outstanding debts makes planning more efficient and helps identify items that require special handling. This preparation saves time during appointments and helps ensure your will accurately reflects current holdings and intended distributions.
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, or significant asset transactions can make an older will out of date. Schedule periodic reviews to confirm beneficiary designations and document accuracy. Updating documents when circumstances change prevents unintended distributions and aligns your plan with current family and financial realities, giving you greater confidence that your wishes will be honored.
People often create or revise wills after significant life events including marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of children, acquiring property, or changes to financial circumstances. A will is also important for those who wish to name a personal representative and guardians for minors. Taking action early reduces the chance of intestacy and helps ensure that your assets are handled consistent with current wishes and family needs.
Anyone with assets, dependents, or specific wishes about distribution should consider a will. Even modest estates benefit from clear instructions that avoid confusion among survivors. Additionally, those with blended families or special beneficiary concerns may need tailored provisions to protect relationships and intended recipients. Preparing a clear will provides peace of mind and a roadmap for how affairs should be managed after passing.
Typical circumstances prompting creation of a will include starting a family, purchasing a home, inheriting significant assets, or taking on caregiving responsibilities. People also prepare wills when they want to provide for charitable gifts or protect a family business. Addressing these topics in writing helps avoid default legal outcomes and provides the personal representative straightforward instructions to follow during estate settlement.
New parents commonly prepare a will to nominate guardians and direct how assets should support a child’s upbringing. Establishing this plan early ensures that care decisions reflect parental preferences and reduces uncertainty if an unexpected event occurs. Including instructions for financial management and naming trusted individuals to handle affairs provides security and clarity for the family’s future.
Homeowners should incorporate real estate into their will or broader estate plan to ensure property transfers align with their intentions. Ownership structure and beneficiary designations affect how property passes at death, and a clear plan prevents probate surprises. For those with multiple properties or out-of-state holdings, coordinated documents help manage transfer logistics and reduce administrative complexity for heirs.
Blended families face special considerations when balancing the interests of current spouses, children from previous relationships, and other relatives. A will tailored to these circumstances can specify distributions and provide safeguards to reduce conflict. Clear, deliberate planning allows individuals to articulate their decisions about inheritance and guardianship in a way that honors family relationships and legal obligations.
Frankfort Law Group is available to discuss will preparation and related estate planning needs for Summit residents. Our goal is to provide clear guidance about document choices, Illinois procedural requirements, and potential implications for your family. We listen to priorities, explain options, and help implement a practical plan that reflects your wishes while reducing administrative uncertainty for those who will manage affairs after your passing.
Frankfort Law Group brings a client-focused approach to wills and estate planning, emphasizing clear communication and attention to detail. We help clients understand legal requirements, prepare documents that reflect personal objectives, and coordinate with financial advisors when necessary. Our process is designed to be efficient, respectful of family dynamics, and attentive to the practical steps needed for implementation in Illinois.
We work with individuals and families to design plans that fit their circumstances, whether a simple will or a broader strategy involving trusts and other tools. Our team explains the probate implications of different choices and helps clients weigh alternatives so they can make informed decisions. This steady guidance reduces surprises and supports smoother administration when the time comes.
Clients in Summit rely on straightforward advice about beneficiary designation reviews, guardianship nominations, and appointment of trusted estate administrators. We strive to make the process approachable and understandable, ensuring documents are current and legally effective. With practical planning and clear documentation, families can protect their wishes and provide direction for loved ones during challenging times.
Our process begins with a thorough review of assets, family circumstances, and client objectives, followed by drafting a will tailored to those needs. We explain Illinois signing and witnessing requirements, recommend complementary documents like powers of attorney, and ensure beneficiary designations align with your intentions. Finalizing the will includes review, execution guidance, and secure storage or delivery of the finalized document for peace of mind.
The first step is an information-gathering meeting to identify assets, beneficiaries, and any family concerns. We review existing estate documents and beneficiary forms to spot inconsistencies or gaps that could cause problems later. This discussion establishes priorities, potential strategies, and a clear timeline for drafting and executing the will.
During intake we compile an inventory of real property, bank and investment accounts, insurance policies, and personal property. We also document current beneficiary designations and intended recipients. This step ensures the will’s provisions align with other forms of asset transfer and prevents conflicting instructions that could complicate probate.
We talk through family structure, guardianship preferences for minors, and any desired restrictions or distributions for beneficiaries. Understanding relationships and potential sources of disagreement helps craft clear language that supports your goals and reduces ambiguity. This conversation sets the foundation for drafting effective and practical provisions.
Once goals are established, we prepare a draft will and any related documents such as powers of attorney or health care directives. Clients review the drafts and suggest adjustments. We explain legal terminology in plain language and make revisions until the document accurately reflects intentions, ensuring compliance with Illinois statutory requirements and alignment with other planning tools.
Drafting translates your decisions into legally effective provisions that name beneficiaries, personal representatives, and guardians. We include necessary formalities for Illinois execution and consider alternative provisions to address contingencies. The draft stage focuses on clarity and completeness to reduce the risk of misinterpretation after your death.
After reviewing the draft, clients provide feedback and request changes to wording, distribution plans, or appointment choices. We update documents as needed and discuss any tax or administrative implications of different provisions. This collaborative step ensures the finished will accurately captures your wishes and practical needs.
The final step involves proper signing and witnessing according to Illinois law, and guidance on storing the original will. We provide instructions for making the document available to the named personal representative and recommend periodic reviews. If circumstances change, we assist with amendments or restatements to keep your estate plan current and effective.
To ensure validity under Illinois law, wills must be executed with required signatures and witness attestations. We coordinate the signing process and explain steps for notarization or safe-keeping where appropriate. Proper execution reduces obstacles in probate and supports a smoother administration process for survivors.
After signing, we advise on secure storage and how to make the will accessible to the personal representative. We also recommend periodic reviews after major life changes and assist with amendments or new drafts to reflect evolving needs. Keeping documents current helps ensure your directives remain enforceable and aligned with your wishes.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
If you die without a will in Illinois, your estate will pass according to the state’s intestacy rules, which allocate assets to surviving relatives in a prescribed order. This may not reflect your personal wishes about distribution or guardianship and can lead to outcomes that surprise or disappoint family members. Intestacy can also create disputes among relatives regarding who should handle the estate administration. The intestacy process may require court appointment of an administrator and follow statutory distribution rules rather than individual preferences, making it harder for loved ones to implement the decisions you would have chosen.
You should review your will whenever major life events occur, such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of children, significant changes to assets, or the death of a beneficiary or appointed representative. Regular reviews every few years are sensible to confirm that documents still reflect your intentions and current law. Updating a will when circumstances shift helps avoid unintended consequences, ensures beneficiary designations remain accurate, and reduces the risk of disputes during probate.
Yes, you can nominate a guardian for minor children in your will, and doing so provides the court with clear guidance about your preference. While a court has final authority to appoint a guardian, naming a guardian expresses your intentions and can carry significant weight in decisions about child care. Including backup guardians and related instructions for financial support through trusts or designated accounts strengthens the plan and helps provide continuity of care for children if both parents are incapacitated or deceased.
A will alone will not necessarily avoid probate; it controls distribution of assets that pass through probate, but some assets may transfer outside probate via beneficiary designations, joint ownership, or trusts. If your goal is to avoid probate for specific assets, additional planning tools like payable-on-death designations, joint tenancy, or properly funded trusts may be appropriate. Reviewing asset titles and beneficiary designations alongside your will helps determine which steps are needed to minimize probate involvement.
A personal representative is charged with administering the estate under the terms of the will and applicable law. Duties include filing the will with probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. Selecting someone organized and trustworthy is important because this role can involve detailed recordkeeping and interactions with financial institutions and the court. Naming a backup representative provides an alternate if the primary choice is unable to serve.
Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, and payable-on-death accounts generally control how those assets pass and can supersede directions in a will. It is important to coordinate beneficiary designations with your will to avoid conflicts or unintended disinheritance. Reviewing and updating designations after major life events ensures that assets are distributed according to your overall estate plan and reduces surprises for heirs during settlement.
You can change your will at any time while you have capacity by executing a new will or adding a valid amendment, often called a codicil, that meets Illinois execution requirements. It is important to follow formal signing and witness rules for any changes to ensure continued validity. Periodically reviewing and updating documents avoids contradictions between older and newer versions and helps keep the estate plan aligned with current wishes and circumstances.
Including funeral or end-of-life wishes in a will is common, but because a will often is not read until after arrangements must be made, it is also wise to communicate immediate wishes to family members and a designated agent. Separate written instructions or a health care directive can ensure that medical and funeral preferences are known and followed in a timely manner. Combining documents provides both legal directives and practical guidance for loved ones.
Handwritten wills, called holographic wills, may be valid in Illinois under certain circumstances, but they can create questions about authenticity and intent. Formal typed and witnessed wills reduce uncertainty and are generally preferred for clarity and legal reliability. Relying on a properly executed document that meets statutory requirements helps prevent disputes and ensures the will will be accepted by probate court without unnecessary challenges.
Probate timelines vary based on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested, but many straightforward probate matters in Cook County may resolve within several months to a year. Estates with complex assets, tax issues, or litigation can take longer. Early organization, clear documentation, and prompt response to court and creditor requirements can help shorten administration time and reduce costs for beneficiaries during the probate process.