A will is one of the most important tools you have for communicating your wishes and needs after your death. Without a will, the government will allocate your assets for you. To avoid this, set up a free consultation with an Evanston wills attorney at Plan Forward Legal who can guide you in creating a plan that best represents your wishes. Victoria Lozano is our Evanston estate planning attorney and founder.

What a Wills Attorney Can Do for You

Hiring a wills attorney is a task everyone should do, regardless of the assets they own or the limitations they feel they have. A will is a communication tool to the state about what should happen with your stuff after your death. When you work with an Evanston wills attorney, you will gain insight into your legal options, including in areas such as:

• Creation of a will that outlines your wishes. This includes clear steps for managing your assets and affairs.
• Guidance on initial estate planning. A will is not an estate plan but a component of it. It can serve as the foundation for an estate plan that carries out your wishes.
• Manage disputes and concerns over your will. Your lawyer will handle disputes that occur about the legal rights of heirs and creditors after your death. Without a will, the probate process can become burdensome. 
• Ensure your estate remains in compliance. Each state has its own specific rules regarding what can and cannot be included in a will, as well as the terminology and steps that must be followed. Your lawyer makes it clear what these are.
• Create a plan for managing complex situations. This could include managing and communicating about wishes related to foreign assets, business ownership and division, and charitable giving.

Your Evanston will attorney becomes your advocate. We listen to you and your goals, then create a plan to make those wishes a reality. This process gives you peace of mind, knowing that your wishes are being carried out under the full protection of the law. Schedule a time to speak with your lawyer to discuss the options available to you.

Critical Components of a Will

When you meet with your Evanston will lawyer, one of the first steps we will take is to discuss your concerns and goals as an introduction to wills. Your will can be personalized to fit your specific needs and objectives. We will ensure your will meets all legal requirements while still honoring all wishes possible. A will needs to include:

• A named executor. This is the person or institution that will execute your will. This person is not necessarily an heir, but the party you want to carry out your wishes. Your lawyer can be an executor if you like.
• Named beneficiaries. Beneficiaries are those who will inherit or benefit from your will and other assets. These can include individuals, charities, organizations, or other entities that receive your assets.
• Guardianship. If you have minor children or adult dependents, your will can outline who will care for them if you are not there to do so.
• Your assets. Your will includes the assets you wish to name and who will inherit them. You may want to leave that baseball card collection to your son or have a specific charity inherit your investments.
• Details about the presence of trusts. If you are creating a trust for some or all of your assets or objectives, your will can identify those trusts.

A will lawyer in Evanston will provide you with guidance on what to include in your will and what not to include. Our attorney will work closely with you to best understand your objectives in each area. You do not need a clear plan or even an idea of what your goals are to set up some time to speak to a will attorney in Evanston. Allow us to help you make a plan that will follow your wishes for what you want to happen.

When Should You Speak to a Will Attorney Near Me?

Your will can provide a variety of benefits to you. You should consult an attorney about a will and its benefits anytime you have questions. We encourage you to speak to a will lawyer near me if any of the following apply:

• You have specific wishes you want followed after your death.
• You want specific heirs excluded from receiving anything from you after your death.
• You want non-family members to receive assets, including step-children or other entities.
• You have a will but have not updated it in some time. Ensure your will stays up to date regularly, especially when there are significant life changes.
• You have dependents or minor children and need to name a guardian for them.

Do not overlook the importance of hiring an Evanston will attorney now, without delay. Your lawyer will guide you in modernizing, updating, and keeping your will in compliance if you already have one. If not, Plan Forward Legal will work with you to create a will that gives you confidence moving forward.

How to Choose a Will and Trust Attorney Near Me

Choosing whether to create a will or a trust is best guided by an attorney who has been there. Victoria Lozano has firsthand knowledge of a loved one dying without an estate plan. Through her years of experience, she has seen what happens to families who have a will or who have a trust. Let a knowledgeable attorney at Plan Forward Legal help you decide through personal stories and anecdotes to explain how important it is for these documents to be completed. 

Schedule a Consultation with an Evanston Wills Attorney

When you hire our Evanston will attorney at Plan Forward Legal, you have an ally who will do everything possible to ensure your objectives are met. Contact us now to schedule a consultation and start the conversation.