When you want a Chicago, IL wills lawyer, our team drafts clear, state-specific documents that reflect your wishes. Kravets Law Group bring years of combined planning experience, Illinois admissions, and a reputation for approachable guidance. Book a free consultation to start a will that fits your life.
Wills Lawyer Chicago, IL
A will names who receives your property, who serves as executor, and who will care for minor children. It can also waive bond, grant independent administration, and reference trusts for long-term management. Our inheritances lawyers start with your goals, then gather a simple inventory so the document matches your assets. Guardianship choices are discussed with sensitivity and backups are named to avoid gaps. If real estate or a small business is involved, our wills attorneys address practical steps for successors and ongoing obligations.
Signing is straightforward but important. Illinois requires specific formalities. Our testamentary lawyers prepare the meeting so witnesses, signatures, and notarization happen correctly. We also recommend companion documents like powers of attorney for health care and property so your family has the authority to help if you are ill or injured. After signing, you receive a summary of the plan, storage tips, and guidance on beneficiary updates. Your will should be reviewed after life events like marriage, birth, divorce, or a move.
Many people ask if a will avoids probate. By itself, it does not. That is why our Chicago wills lawyers discuss whether a revocable trust or transfer-on-death options make sense for you. Blended families, young beneficiaries, or charitable wishes can be addressed with simple trusts inside the will or a separate living trust that works during life and after. Whatever the structure, the goal is clarity: instructions that are easy to follow and resilient to challenge.
We also offer practical tools that make your wishes easy to carry out. This can include a simple personal property memorandum for sentimental items, a letter of instruction that lists key contacts and funeral preferences, and a checklist to keep beneficiary designations aligned with the will. We discuss alternates for executors and guardians, address potential conflicts, and suggest ways to share decisions with family so there are fewer surprises later.
Why Experience Matters For Wills
Experienced will drafters avoid ambiguity and future fights. Clear guardianship language, precise gifts, and proper signing formalities create a document that your family can follow without confusion when it matters most. Our lawyers have:
• Experience with simple and complicated wills for families, singles, and business owners across Chicagoland.
• Attorneys trained in Illinois requirements who draft documents that hold up in court.
• Positive client reviews for clear communication and timely delivery.
• Coordination with financial institutions to align beneficiaries with your will.
“Daniel Kravets is a phenomenal attorney! He is incredibly knowledgeable and experienced, and he truly cares about his clients. Dan provided invaluable advice and strategic thinking that helped swiftly resolve a real estate matter. His attention to detail and sharp analysis stood out, and his ability to navigate a complex issue made all the difference. I highly recommend Dan and his firm!” – Michael Krasniansky– Michael Krasniansky
With Kravets Law Group, you will have a will you understand and easy instructions your family can follow. Book a free consultation and put your wishes into writing with care.
Types Of Wills We Handle
Planning for the distribution of your estate begins with clear guidance from our experienced Chicago, IL wills lawyer. At Kravets Law Group, our mission is to transform how clients experience working with lawyers, providing clear advice and thoughtful counsel so that every decision about your estate is confident and informed. Whether you have a straightforward estate or more challenging needs, we handle a variety of wills to help you protect your legacy and provide for your loved ones.
Simple Wills
Simple wills are designed for individuals or couples with uncomplicated estates and straightforward intentions. These documents outline beneficiaries, designate an executor, and specify how property should be divided. Our Chicago wills lawyer provides clients with experienced guidance that prevents errors or ambiguities that could lead to disputes in the future.
Even a simple will requires careful consideration of assets, including bank accounts, real estate, and personal property. Our team helps clients make informed choices about distribution, ensuring that their wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable. By taking a methodical approach, we reduce the risk of challenges after death and provide peace of mind.
Testamentary Trusts
For clients with minor children or specific long-term objectives, a testamentary trust can provide additional protection. Created within a will and taking effect only after death, testamentary trusts allow you to establish conditions for how assets are managed and distributed over time. Our Illinois estate planning lawyer guides clients through designing trusts that protect their beneficiaries, including setting age milestones, education funding, or oversight provisions.
We work to make the process understandable and practical, giving clients confidence that their children or beneficiaries will receive support exactly as intended. Testamentary trusts are particularly valuable for clients who want to control how assets are used over generations or in unique family situations.
Pour-Over Wills
Pour-over wills work in tandem with living trusts, making sure that any assets not previously transferred into the trust are added upon death. This helps maintain consistency in your estate plan and provides a safety net for overlooked property. With the help of our wills attorney, clients can draft a pour-over will that complements their existing trust, providing comprehensive coverage of all assets and preventing legal gaps.
Complex And Customized Wills
High-net-worth estates, blended families, or clients with unique wishes often require customized wills. These complicated cases involve detailed planning to reflect intentions accurately, minimize conflicts, and comply with state law. Our lawyer carefully evaluates every aspect of an estate, from tax implications to distribution priorities, offering actionable advice tailored to each client’s circumstances.
We address potential challenges proactively, including family disputes or changes in assets over time. By doing so, clients can feel confident that their estate plan is thorough, legally sound, and aligned with their goals.
Begin The Estate Planning Process With Compassionate Guidance
Working with Kravets Law Group means receiving dependable, straightforward counsel that makes estate planning clear and manageable. Led by founder and managing attorney Daniel Kravets, our team provides guidance designed to reduce stress while protecting your family’s future. By partnering with our Chicago wills lawyer, you can begin the estate planning process with confidence, knowing your wishes are legally documented and your legacy is preserved. Call our office today to schedule a meeting with our estate planning attorney.
Steps In A Wills Process
Our Chicago, IL wills lawyer knows that creating a will is one of the most important ways to protect your wishes and provide guidance for your loved ones. When you understand the basic steps involved, the process feels more manageable and helps you make informed choices. With over 10 years of experience, our firm can help you with your estate plan.
- Identifying Your Goals and Priorities. The first step in the wills process is determining what you want your document to accomplish. This includes deciding who you want to receive your assets, who you trust to carry out your wishes, and whether you want to include instructions for guardianship, charitable gifts, or special provisions. By outlining your goals early, you make the next steps easier and more organized.
- Taking Inventory of Your Assets. You will need a list of everything you own that may be included in your estate. This may include real estate, personal belongings, financial accounts, digital assets, and business interests. You don’t need exact values for every item, but having a general sense of what you own helps you decide how you want your property distributed. Keeping this list updated will also make future revisions easier.
- Choosing Beneficiaries. Next, you will identify the people or organizations who will receive your assets. These may include family members, friends, or charities. It’s helpful to think about both primary and contingent beneficiaries in case someone passes away before you or is unable to inherit. Having clear designations reduces the risk of confusion or disputes later.
- Selecting an Executor. As our Chicago wills lawyer can tell you, the executor is the person who carries out the instructions in your will. You should choose someone who is organized, trustworthy, and able to handle administrative responsibilities. This may be a family member, friend, or professional. If your first choice cannot serve, it is wise to name an alternate executor. Having someone you trust in this role gives you confidence that your wishes will be followed.
- Considering Guardianship for Minor Children. If you have minor children, naming a guardian is an important part of your will. This person will take responsibility for their care if something happens to you. Discuss the decision with the person you choose so they feel prepared for the responsibility. You can also include alternate guardians if your first choice cannot serve.
- Working With a Lawyer to Draft the Will. Once your decisions are made, a lawyer can help prepare the legal document. They will draft the will based on your instructions and explain any required legal language. This step helps confirm that your will follows state law and accurately reflects your wishes. You will have the opportunity to review the draft and request revisions before finalizing it.
- Signing and Executing the Document. A will must be signed and witnessed according to your state’s laws. Your lawyer will guide you through the signing process so the document is valid. The witnesses should be adults who have no stake in the will. Once it is properly signed, your will becomes legally binding.
- Storing the Will Safely. Your will should be stored in a secure place where your executor can access it when needed. Some people keep their will at home in a fireproof safe, while others leave it with their lawyer. Make sure your executor knows where the original document is stored and how to retrieve it.
- Reviewing and Updating the Will Over Time. Life changes, and your will may need updates as circumstances shift. Marriage, divorce, birth of children, major purchases, or new financial accounts can all prompt revisions. Reviewing your will periodically keeps it current and aligned with your wishes.
Creating a will is a meaningful step toward protecting your future and providing clear guidance for your loved ones. If you are ready to begin or need help preparing your document, Kravets Law Group is here to support you with practical direction every step of the way. Contact our Chicago wills lawyer today for a free consultation so we can help you move forward with confidence and clarity.