CHICAGO TRUST ATTORNEYS
At Hays Firm, our experienced Chicago trust attorneys are dedicated to serving your needs with customized legal solutions. By working closely together, we can offer you broader perspectives and insights. We take the time to develop a deep understanding of your situation and needs, and provide practical assurance that you are our priority.
Our top priority is your success. We work tirelessly to provide personalized service with successful outcomes. Contact us today to learn how we can help protect you.
13 Years of Helping Clients with Their Trust Matters
600 plus Trust and Estate Plans Created for Our Clients
Millions in Assets Protected Through Our Trust and Estate Planning Services
TRUST AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATION ATTORNEY SERVICES FOR OUR CHICAGO CLIENTS AND BEYOND
PROBATE
We provide legal services such as reviewing wills and trusts, drafting estate plans, determining whether probate is necessary, drafting petitions and documents in probate, providing legal advice, guiding executors and administrators through estate administration, litigating if necessary, and closing the estate efficiently. We help distinguish between the different types of claims that can be filed against Illinois probate estates and provide legal representation to executors and administrators throughout the process.
WILLS & TRUSTS
We offer consultation about your personal estate planning goals, review any wills and trusts that you have previously executed, work with you to amend your existing will or trust, create new estate plans including wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents that meet your goals, assist in the signing of the new will and trust in accordance with the law, offer periodic reviews of your plan, and offer legal advice to trustees as they perform their duties.
ESTATE LITIGATION
We understand the Illinois Probate Act and its intricacies and complexities. We represent executors, administrators, trustees, beneficiaries, and heirs in contested probate matters. We help clients determine whether they can challenge the validity of a will and whether an executor or administrator should be removed for misconduct.
TRUST LITIGATION
Our experienced trust litigation attorneys can assist you with a range of legal services. We represent trustees and beneficiaries in trust litigation. We work with beneficiaries to determine whether they have an action against a trustee for improper conduct. We will file all documents and petitions necessary to recover assets that may have wrongly been removed by a trustee. We will also file petitions on behalf of the trustee if necessary to protect the assets of a trust. We also counsel trustees to help them fulfill their obligations.
Chicago Trust Attorneys You Can Rely On
Hays Firm has served as a dependable and experienced legal counsel to Chicago clients for thirteen years. Our mission is to act as trusted representation to every client seeking to establish, manage, or protect a trust that secures their financial future and that of their loved ones.
The Chicago trust attorneys at Hays Firm can help you with: informed decisions about trust creation and administration, including revocable and irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, charitable trusts, asset protection strategies, tax minimization, trust funding and management, estate planning coordination, and more.
As recognized leaders in trust law and strategy in Chicago, Illinois, Hays Firm provides exceptional experience and talent to protect your interests, ensure your trust is tailored to your unique needs, and streamline your trust and estate planning process by optimizing asset protection and minimizing potential legal or financial risks.
TRUST ATTORNEYS IN CHICAGO: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PARTNER
Choosing the right trust law firm for your estate planning and trust needs in Chicago may very well be the most important decision you make to protect the financial security of your assets for the benefit of your loved ones.
A variety of considerations should come into play when comparing different trust law firms. Some essential factors include reputation, cost, experience, access to resources, and compatibility with the attorney.
Hays Firm has an established track record of guiding hundreds of clients through the nuances of the trust creation and estate planning process. We are here to help our clients navigate the complex trust and estate planning landscape with dedication, thoroughness and honesty. Protecting your interests and long-term objectives to create lasting value for your family and beneficiaries is our mission.
CHICAGO TRUST AND ESTATE PLANNING YOU NEED
ESTATE PLANNING
We help individuals and families plan their estates in the most effective and efficient way possible. We provide comprehensive estate planning services that include wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to help protect your assets and ensure your legacy is secure.
TRUST ADMINISTRATION
We have extensive experience in trust administration and can help manage trusts of any size. Our team of skilled attorneys provides guidance on trust distributions, asset management, and tax planning to ensure the smooth and efficient administration of your trust.
PROBATE AND ESTATE SETTLEMENT
Our firm assists clients with probate and estate settlement, making that process as seamless and stress-free as possible. We guide clients through every step of the process, from filing court documents to distributing assets to beneficiaries.
SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS
We understand the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and their families. Our firm creates specialized trusts that provide financial support to loved ones with special needs while ensuring their eligibility for government benefits.
CHARITABLE PLANNING
Our team can help clients plan and execute charitable giving strategies that benefit both the client and the charity. We work with clients to create charitable trusts, donor-advised funds, and other vehicles that provide tax benefits while supporting the causes they care about.
BUSINESS SUCCESSION PLANNING
We offer business owners comprehensive succession planning services that ensure the smooth transition of their business to the next generation. Our team helps business owners prepare for the future and create plans that minimize taxes while maximizing their legacy.
ASSET PROTECTION PLANNING
We help clients protect their hard-earned assets from creditors and litigation by using the most appropriate legal strategies for each situation. Some of the structures we use include asset protection trusts, limited liability companies and family limited partnerships.
ELDER LAW
Our firm provides legal services to senior citizens, including estate planning, asset protection, guardianship proceedings and long-term care planning. We work with families to protect their loved ones and ensure they receive the care they need.
ESTATE LITIGATION
Our attorneys have experience in estate litigation and contested wills. We represent clients in disputes over wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents. We strive to resolve these disputes efficiently and effectively, while minimizing the impact on our clients.
CHICAGO TRUST ATTORNEYS: WHY CHOOSE HAYS FIRM FOR YOUR TRUST NEEDS
At Hays Firm, we set ourselves apart from other Chicago trust attorneys by offering personalized attention. Understanding that every client’s situation is unique, we focus on crafting tailor-made estate planning solutions that address individual goals and concerns.
Our proven results in trust and estate law demonstrate our expertise. We have guided hundreds of clients through trust creation, management, and administration, helping them to confidently protect their assets and provide for their loved ones.
We are committed to protecting our clients’ assets. By staying updated on the latest developments in trust law and leveraging our expertise, we help clients navigate asset protection and tax minimization, ensuring a strong foundation for their financial well-being and the security of their beneficiaries.
CHICAGO TRUST ATTORNEY: FAQs
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HIRING A CHICAGO TRUST ATTORNEY?
Hiring a Chicago trust attorney offers several advantages, including in-depth knowledge of local trust laws, tailored advice for creating and managing trusts, as well as support to minimize taxes and protect your assets.
These attorneys can efficiently navigate the complexities of trust law, ensuring compliance with regulations at the state and federal levels. Trust attorneys increase your peace of mind by guaranteeing that your estate will be administered and distributed as per your preferences, securing your loved ones’ financial future.
Furthermore, their expertise can help you avoid potential disputes and conflicts during the trust administration process, reducing stress for your beneficiaries.
WHAT TYPES OF TRUSTS CAN A CHICAGO TRUST ATTORNEY HELP ME WITH?
A Chicago trust attorney can assist you with multiple types of trusts, such as revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, and testamentary trusts. They can also help with charitable trusts, spendthrift trusts, and life insurance trusts, among others.
Trust attorneys possess the knowledge to analyze your unique circumstances and financial goals, thereby assisting you in selecting the most appropriate trust structure to meet your objectives.
Additionally, they can advise you on the tax implications of each trust type, helping you make an informed decision that is in line with your long-term estate planning objectives.
CAN A CHICAGO TRUST ATTORNEY HELP ME WITH ESTATE PLANNING?
A Chicago trust attorney can indeed assist with estate planning. Estate planning involves various legal instruments, including wills, trusts, power of attorney, and healthcare directives.
Trust attorneys can help you develop a comprehensive estate plan tailored to your specific needs, ensuring efficient asset management and transfer to your designated beneficiaries. They can provide valuable counsel on tax minimization strategies and potential estate litigation matters, keeping your best interests in mind.
Moreover, they can help you establish a solid plan to address your family’s needs in case of incapacity, ensuring your loved ones are cared for even if you are unable to do so yourself.
IS IT BETTER TO HAVE A WILL OR A TRUST IN ILLINOIS?
Deciding between a will and a trust in Illinois depends on individual circumstances and preferences.
A will is a legal document that outlines your wishes for asset distribution after death, while a trust is a more flexible arrangement that can manage assets both during and after your lifetime.
Trusts often provide privacy, avoid probate, and allow for more control over asset distribution. Conversely, wills are typically less expensive to create and easier to amend. Consulting a trust attorney can help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and goals.
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A CHICAGO TRUST ATTORNEY?
When selecting a Chicago trust attorney, it’s important to consider factors such as experience, reputation, communication style, and fees. Look for an attorney with a strong track record in trust and estate planning, who is familiar with local and state law.
Seek recommendations from friends, family, or professional networks to gauge their satisfaction with the attorney’s services. Evaluate the attorney’s communication style and ensure that you feel comfortable discussing your personal and financial matters with them.
Finally, inquire about their fee structure, including hourly rates or flat fees, to determine if their services align with your budget and expectations.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF WORKING WITH A CHICAGO TRUST ATTORNEY?
Working with a Chicago trust attorney typically involves an initial consultation, estate planning and creation, asset funding, and ongoing management.
During the consultation, the attorney assesses your financial situation, goals, and unique circumstances to provide tailored advice. They will guide you through selecting the appropriate trust type and drafting the trust document.
Next, they will help you fund the trust by transferring assets such as property, investments, or bank accounts. The attorney may also coordinate with other professionals, like financial advisors or accountants, to optimize your estate plan.
Finally, they will provide ongoing support, including trust administration and addressing any legal or tax-related issues that may arise.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY INITIAL CONSULTATION WITH A CHICAGO TRUST ATTORNEY?
During your initial consultation with a Chicago trust attorney, expect a thorough discussion of your financial situation, family dynamics, and estate planning goals. The attorney will ask questions to understand your objectives and identify potential challenges.
They will provide an overview of trust options and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you make an informed decision.
Additionally, the attorney may review any existing estate planning documents, such as wills or powers of attorney, to ensure they align with your current needs. Finally, they will outline their fee structure and the anticipated timeline for completing your trust and estate plan.
CAN HAYS FIRM HELP ME IF I LIVE OUTSIDE OF CHICAGO?
Hays Firm can provide assistance to clients living outside of Chicago, depending on the specific legal services required. Although they have expertise in Illinois trust and estate laws, prospective clients must understand that laws differ between states.
If your legal needs involve multi-state matters or you reside in a different state, Hays Firm may coordinate with attorneys licensed in the applicable jurisdictions to best address your concerns.
It’s essential to discuss your location and the nature of your legal needs during the initial consultation to determine if Hays Firm is well-suited to assist you or if a referral is more appropriate.
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