Estate Planning and Litigation

While a will on the surface may appear to be a simple document, it raises a wide array of concerns and complications. Was the will written properly? Was it signed and witnessed properly? Even if the will is perfect, is the administrator of the estate performing his job properly? Even if the will is clear and the administrator does a excellent job, funeral and burial expenses often cause problems and extra grief for the deceased's family. An attorney can help ensure that your final wishes are respected and the process is as painless as possible for your loved ones.

Alternatively, there are options for those rare times when family members cannot be trusted to treat each other with courtesy and respect. If you are worried about the inheritance of your property causing rifts and fights among your loved ones, we can help you create a living trust that will avoid the sometimes-contentious probate process altogether. One other advantage of a trust is that you can ensure that your religious beliefs are respected and that your property is distributed in accordance with those beliefs and your personal preferences.

If you are the relative of a special-needs child or a disabled adult, for instance, we can assist you in creating a "special needs" trust. These trusts are a fund that allows you to help your loved one while ensuring that you are not harming their ability to receive benefits from the government. Not only would you be helping to support and sustain your relative, your contributions to the trust may be eligible for certain federal tax benefits.

Having a comprehensive plan for your property is one of the most important things a person can do, even during your life. Call Kurtz & Augenlicht and let us help you make sense of your assets and ensure that they are both protected and prepared for whatever happens.

Even beneficiaries benefit from having an attorney assist them. Estate matters are family matters, and few people want to be viewed as a troublemaker by his or her relatives. We can look at a will or trust and determine who should properly receive what benefits, discuss your concerns with the trustee or administrator of the estate, and if necessary stand up for your rights in court.

If you need help, call us at 312.526.3928 or email Michael.