Chicago, Illinois - Mary Liberty, a Chicago Estate Planning attorney and founder of Illinois Estate Law (https://www.illinoisestatelaw.com/navigating-the-legal-labyrinth-your-essential-illinois-estate-planning-checklist/) released an essential Illinois estate planning checklist designed to guide Cook County households through wills, revocable living trusts, Illinois statutory powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, beneficiary coordination, and probate procedures at the Richard J. Daley Center. The resource organizes each step so families in Chicago and nearby suburbs can establish clear directives, align titles and designations, and maintain accessible records that support timely court filings.
The checklist translates core planning steps into practical action items for residents across Ravenswood, Lincoln Park, Hyde Park, Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park, and Wilmette. As a Chicago Estate Planning attorney, Liberty outlines how a Last Will and Testament, a properly funded revocable living trust, and the Illinois Statutory Short Form Powers of Attorney for Property and for Health Care work together to reduce administrative delays and support decision-making during incapacity or death. The guidance extends to recording deeds through the Cook County Clerk, preparing pour-over wills, adding HIPAA releases for medical coordination with Chicago-area providers, and maintaining a centralized inventory of assets, passwords, and digital accounts.
Addressing frequent pain points for blended families and growing households, the Chicago Estate Planning attorney highlights measures that promote clarity, from naming primary and successor fiduciaries to aligning beneficiary designations on life insurance, IRAs, 401(k)s, annuities, and POD or TOD accounts with a revocable trust plan. The checklist describes funding procedures for trusts, titling of homes and condominiums, and practical steps for storing originals while making copies available to key decision-makers. It also encourages an annual review cadence timed before tax season to capture life changes, new assets, or updates to guardianship choices.
The release includes up-to-date tax considerations relevant to Illinois residents. As of November 5, 2025, the Illinois estate tax exclusion remains $4,000,000, which means larger estates may owe state estate tax even when no federal estate tax is due. The resource also notes the 2025 federal annual gift tax exclusion of $19,000 per recipient, with the possibility of gift splitting for spouses and the filing of Form 709 for larger transfers. Pending proposals to modify the Illinois exclusion are referenced for monitoring during regular plan reviews. By integrating these variables into a living plan, families can calibrate gifting, charitable strategies, and business succession terms with counsel and tax advisors.
The checklist further addresses probate logistics in Cook County, including document readiness for Daley Center filings and the selection of local co-executors when appropriate. It emphasizes practical administration, such as coordinating with financial institutions, maintaining contact pathways for representatives, and preparing for smooth transitions if a prior engagement with another lawyer must be transferred. Families seeking tailored drafting, deed preparation, and probate guidance may contact Illinois Estate Law at (312) 373-0731 to schedule a consultation and put a Chicago-focused plan in place.
About Illinois Estate Law:
Illinois Estate Law is a Chicago-based law practice led by Mary Liberty, serving clients throughout the city and the North and Northwest Suburbs. The firm focuses on estate planning, uncontested probate, and a partial probate service that assists clients in transitioning matters when communication or costs with a prior attorney become barriers. Engagements use a flat-fee model to promote clarity and predictability, with technology-forward processes that streamline document execution, recording, and coordination. For consultations and additional information, call (312) 373-0731 or visit the firm’s website to get started.
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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/