Estate & Business Law Group, P.C.

Proper Estate Planning

Our Process

Asset Protection

Medicaid Planning

• control your property while you are alive and well;
• plan for yourself and your loved ones if you become disabled;
• give what you have to whom you want, the way you want,
  and when you want; and

• save every last tax dollar, professional fee,
  and court cost possible for yourself and your loved ones.

1. “Proper" Estate Planning:
   Our philosophy of planning is to have a fully funded Revocable Living Trust serve as the foundation of your Estate Plan, with the Life Insurance Trust to maximize your financial legacy to your beneficiaries. We are committed to this Philosophy of Planning, making sure your plan works at maturity (disability or death).

2. Maintenance of your Estate Plan:
   
   ... Annual Maintenance Program
   As our active Annual Maintenance client, you will be entitled to services that include:

• A one-hour consultation with the attorney and the AMP director, regarding the following areas:

• A review of your plan for technical amendments necessitated by changes in law and tax codes;

• Verification that all of your assets have been successfully funded into your trust (REMEMBER, your plan won’t work unless it is “fully funded”);

• Discussion of other questions or concerns you may have regarding the smooth administration of your estate plan;

• Discussion of any necessary personal changes you may need to make (for example because of changes in your relationships)

• Discussion of ways to continue to reduce any remaining death tax liability.

• Reasonable telephone inquiries relating to your Estate plan.

• Retitling of your primary residence to comply with lender requirements during a refinance or your residence

• Technical changes to your plan as a result of legislative or IRS rulings

• Updated Powers of Attorney as needed.

• Storage of your Health Care Directives and Living Will available when they are needed, around the clock, everyday, anywhere in the world (DocuBank®).

• Invitations to our educational workshops and our Annual Meeting of Estate Planning Clients.

3. Advanced Planning:
   We are able to integrate the "proper" advanced strategies to your foundation plan, including partnerships, charitable giving, and income tax & federal tax planning.

4. Restatements of Trust:
   To consolidate relational, financial, and legal changes since your Estate Plan was created. We keep your plan healthy and up-to-date by counseling and creating a current reflection of your instructions that includes allocations and retitling of your assets.

5. Estate Administration:
   Guardianship, Disability, and Post Death Administration of a decedent's Estate including probate estates (but only if any assets are subject to probate). Trust Administration, Preparation of Federal and Illinois Fiduciary Income Tax Returns, and Preparation of Federal Estate Tax Returns are included in the menu of services available through our office and collaborative colleagues.

6. Will Centered Planning:
   ... available in the appropriate circumstances.