Top O'Fallon, IL Living Trust Lawyers Near You
115 N. Second Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025
101 W. Vandalia St, 3rd Floor, Edwardsville, IL 62025
101 West Vandalia St, Suite 220, Edwardsville, IL 62025
2300 South Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062
907 Washington St, Highland, IL 62249
Mark Twain Plaza I, 101 W. Vandalia Street, Suite 200, Edwardsville, IL 62025
2410 State St, Alton, IL 62002
Richland Executive Plaza, Suite 100, 521 W Main Street, Belleville, IL 62220
217 S. Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025-1921
20 E. Main Street, Belleville, IL 62220
325 South High Street, Belleville, IL 62220
525 West Main Street, Belleville, IL 62220
105 West Vandalia Street, Suite 400, Edwardsville, IL 62025
517 St. Louis St, Edwardsville, IL 62025
23 Public Square, Suite 300, Belleville, IL 62220
521 W Main St, Suite 300, Belleville, IL 62220
720 W. Main Street, Suite 150, Belleville, IL 62220
105 W Vandalia St, Suite 475-A, Mark Twain Plaza III Bldg, Edwardsville, IL 62025
105 W Vandalia St, Suite 100, Edwardsville, IL 62025
3517 College Avenue, Alton, IL 62002
102 Executive Drive, Highland, IL 62249-1269
36 West Main Street, Mascoutah, IL 62258
307 Henry Street, Suite 415, Alton, IL 62002
5 Park Place Professional Centre, Swansea, IL 62226
130 East Main Street, PO Box 587, Carlinville, IL 62626
O'Fallon Living Trust Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Living Trust attorneys in O'Fallon and checks their standing with Illinois bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is a Trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement in which you transfer your assets to another party to hold and manage for the benefit of your beneficiaries. Trusts are widely used in estate planning to ensure that loved ones are financially secure in the years to come. Because trust and estate laws can be complicated, it is recommended to consult with a trust lawyer near you, as each state has its own laws. There are several distinct types of trusts, including:
- Asset protection trusts
- Charitable trusts
- Constructive trusts
- Family trusts
- Irrevocable trusts
- Living trusts
- Revocable trusts
- Special needs trusts
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Trust and Estates Lawyer?
Most people think of a trust as something they only need to consider when they pass away. However, a trust can be something you can benefit from during your life and provide for your family after death. Trust planning can help manage property and assets, gain tax advantages, and avoid probate. You should consider a trust when you:
- Have significant financial assets or property
- Have family members with special needs
- Want to distribute assets to charitable groups or religious organizations
- Want to protect your privacy
- Need to preserve assets for minor children
- Have major life changes
How Can a Trust Lawyer Help Me?
An experienced lawyer can give you the backing you need to navigate the legal system and find the best possible results for your case. Because laws are different from state to state, speaking with a lawyer in Illinois is critical in understanding all the elements of your situation and making the best decisions when it comes to your estate planning. A trust lawyer can help with:
- Trust creation
- Asset management and protection
- Estate planning
- Trust administration
- Modification or termination of your trust
- Trust disputes and litigation
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Trust Lawyer?
If you don’t hire a trust lawyer, your assets will pass under Illinois probate laws. Probate can tie up your assets for months or years. If your beneficiaries are fighting over the assets, it can take longer and cost your estate money. With a trust, the property can pass outside of probate. You can also have more control over what happens to your estate after death. If you don’t have a trust, your loved ones may have to deal with:
- Estate taxes
- Delays in probate
- Fighting legal challenges over assets and property
- Property passing through intestacy
What Are the Top Questions When Choosing a Trust Lawyer in O'Fallon?
These questions can help you decide if you feel confident that a lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your trust case. Many trust and estate lawyers offer consultations that allow you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:
- What type of trust is most suitable for my situation?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of creating a trust?
- How can a trust be used to address my specific concerns or goals?
- What is the process for creating and funding a trust?
- How will the trust be administered?
- What are the potential tax implications associated with a trust?
- How much will all of this cost?
Tips for Hiring a Trusts Lawyer
Taking the time to find a lawyer who is right for you and will represent your best interests is an important first step in protecting your finances. Find a lawyer who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about billing and fees
- Trust your instincts