Estate Planning
Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and your assets. At Benson Law Firm, we help individuals and families create customized estate plans that provide peace of mind, reduce uncertainty, and ensure that your wishes are carried out with care and clarity.
How do I keep my family out of probate?
Proper estate planning can help your family avoid the time, expense, and stress of the probate process. Tools such as revocable living trusts, joint ownership arrangements, and beneficiary designations can allow assets to pass directly to your loved ones without court involvement. Our attorneys can design a plan that minimizes probate and simplifies the transfer of your estate.
Do I need a will?
A will is the foundation of any estate plan. It allows you to decide how your property will be distributed, name guardians for minor children, and specify your final wishes. Without a will, Illinois law determines how your assets are divided, often in ways that may not reflect your preferences. We’ll help you draft a will that clearly expresses your intentions and stands up under legal scrutiny.
What’s a power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to make important decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. Illinois recognizes two main types: one for healthcare and one for property or financial matters. Our firm helps clients prepare these documents so that medical care and financial affairs remain in the hands of people they choose, not the court.