Do I Need a Trust? A Quick Check for Illinois Families
Many people do fine with a will. A living trust tends to make more sense when you own a home, have young kids, have a blended family, own property in another state, or want your affairs kept private. Answer the five questions below to see which page to read first.
Answer five questions
Why these five questions
- A home. Real estate in your name alone usually has to go through probate. A trust or a transfer on death instrument can avoid that.
- Young kids. A minor cannot manage money. A trust lets someone you pick manage it for them until an age you choose.
- A blended family. A trust can spell out who gets what, and when, so children from a first marriage are not left out by accident.
- Property in another state. Without planning, your family may face a second probate case in that state.
- Privacy. A will becomes part of a court file in probate. A trust usually does not.
What the result does not tell you
This quiz points you to the right reading. It cannot weigh your whole situation. Your accounts, your beneficiary forms and your family all matter. Jeff walks through them with you and tells you what he would put in place and why.
Get your plan done. Call Jeff.
Tell Jeff about your family, your home and what you want to happen. He'll explain the next step.Office hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM to noon. After hours, leave your name, number and the best time to call back.
Jeff McCarthy, Inspired Law Group, 136 E 9th St, Lockport, IL 60441
Reviewed by Jeff McCarthy, Attorney, Inspired Law Group, 136 E 9th St, Lockport, IL 60441.
Questions people ask about do i need a trust?
Short answers first. Jeff McCarthy reviews every answer on this page.
A will works for many people. A trust is often a better fit if you own a home, have young kids or a blended family, or want to keep your estate out of court.
Usually yes. A short will that sends anything left outside the trust into it is common. Jeff explains how the two fit together.
Assets that are titled in the trust pass under the trust terms, not through probate. Anything left in your own name may still need probate.
Keep reading
Ready for clarity, direction, and legal protection? Fill out the form and let’s begin.
Every case comes down to its facts and its deadlines. Talk with Jeff McCarthy so you can:
- Get clear on your legal options.
- Avoid costly mistakes.
- Know what happens next, and when.
