CHICAGO, IL – Chicago wills attorney Mary Liberty of Illinois Estate Law (https://www.illinoisestatelaw.com/chicago-wills-lawyer/) is encouraging families to take proactive steps toward protecting their loved ones through clear and legally valid estate planning. A will serves as a powerful legal tool that ensures an individual’s wishes are honored and their assets are distributed according to their intentions—not left to the default rules of Illinois law.
As a dedicated Chicago wills attorney, Mary Liberty works with clients across the city to create plans that are both practical and legally sound. She helps individuals craft wills that address critical issues such as guardianship for minor children, property distribution, and the appointment of trusted executors. These plans not only reflect personal values but also reduce the potential for future family disputes.
In her work as a Chicago wills attorney, Liberty sees many families who delay creating a will because they believe it’s only for the wealthy or elderly. In reality, anyone with children, property, or personal wishes about how they want their estate handled can benefit from putting a plan in place. “A Last Will and Testament serves as your voice when you can no longer speak for yourself,” Liberty notes. “It grants you the authority to dictate exactly how your assets are distributed, rather than leaving those personal decisions to Illinois state default rules.”
Through Illinois Estate Law, Liberty offers a straightforward approach to estate planning that allows families to make informed decisions. A will can outline who will care for children under 18, how assets are to be distributed, and which individual should be trusted to manage the estate. With a will in place, Illinois families gain peace of mind knowing that their unique circumstances—such as stepchildren, unmarried partners, or charitable intentions—are properly accounted for in their plan.
Failing to create a valid will means the estate will be distributed according to the state’s intestate succession laws. This default process may result in outcomes that do not reflect the individual’s true wishes. For example, under Illinois law, if a person dies leaving a spouse and children, the estate is typically split equally between them. Unmarried partners or stepchildren are not entitled to inherit unless specifically named in a will. Liberty helps families understand these laws and take the necessary steps to avoid unintended consequences.
One of the most important roles of a will is to nominate guardians for minor children. Liberty emphasizes how vital it is for parents to formally document who should care for their children if the unexpected happens. Illinois courts generally give significant weight to guardian nominations made in a valid will. Liberty also helps parents include written instructions about their values, religious preferences, and educational hopes to support a smooth transition for the child.
Liberty’s legal planning process also accounts for a wide range of financial arrangements. She assists clients in coordinating their wills with non-probate assets such as life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and property held jointly or with transfer-on-death designations. For those with loved ones who have disabilities, she helps set up supplemental needs trusts that allow them to maintain public benefit eligibility while receiving support.
Many families in Cook County, where most Chicago probate cases are filed, can also benefit from Liberty’s in-depth understanding of the local process. Her wills are crafted to comply with Illinois probate laws and include important elements like self-proving affidavits, which can help reduce court delays. She also helps clients make informed decisions about whether to pursue independent or supervised administration, depending on the complexity of the estate.
In addition to drafting new wills, Liberty frequently helps clients update existing plans. A will should be revisited after major life events—such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in assets. Outdated or incomplete documents can lead to confusion, unintended results, or costly court interventions. Liberty works with clients to ensure that all documents are current and properly executed under Illinois law, which requires specific signing and witness procedures.
Some clients may benefit from including a revocable living trust as part of their estate plan. While a will takes effect after death, a trust can manage assets during a person’s lifetime and continue afterward, often avoiding probate. Liberty explains the difference between the two tools and helps clients decide what’s right for their situation. For many families, a simple will is sufficient; for others, a trust provides additional flexibility and privacy.
Liberty’s process is designed to meet modern needs. Through Illinois Estate Law, she offers virtual consultations and secure digital document handling, allowing clients to complete their estate plans without leaving their homes. This fully online process is particularly beneficial for busy professionals, caregivers, and those who want to avoid navigating Chicago traffic or courthouse procedures. Transparent flat-fee pricing also ensures that clients understand the cost of their plan upfront.
Taking action now provides immediate clarity and confidence. Creating a will is not about anticipating the worst—it’s about being prepared and making sure that loved ones aren’t left guessing. With Mary Liberty’s guidance, families can take control of their future and ensure that their personal wishes are honored when it matters most.
About Illinois Estate Law:
Illinois Estate Law is a modern estate planning firm based in Chicago. The firm offers fully virtual consultations and secure document handling to make the planning process efficient and accessible. Led by Chicago wills attorney Mary Liberty, Illinois Estate Law helps clients create clear, legally sound wills and other planning documents that align with Illinois laws and their personal goals.
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Email: contact@illinoisestatelaw.com
Website: https://www.illinoisestatelaw.com/
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Company Name: Illinois Estate Law
Contact Person: Mary Liberty
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Phone: (312) 373-0731
Address:4422 N Ravenswood Ave Suite 212
City: Chicago
State: Illinois 60640
Country: United States
Website: https://www.illinoisestatelaw.com/