Estate Planning for Real Life

Practical Illinois estate planning for individuals, couples, families, and business owners.

Schedule a Consultation View Estate Planning Services

Estate planning is not just for wealthy families. It is for anyone who wants to make clear decisions about property, loved ones, healthcare wishes, and the future.

Eric Lavender Law LLC helps Illinois individuals, couples, families, and business owners create practical estate plans that are easier to understand, easier to use, and tailored to real life.

Estate Planning Services

Clear planning for property, healthcare decisions, family protection, business ownership, and future peace of mind.

Simple Wills

Plan who receives your property, who should handle your estate, and who should serve as guardian for minor children if needed.

Married Couple Estate Plans

Coordinated estate planning documents for spouses who want a clear plan for property, decision-making, and family protection.

Powers of Attorney for Property

Appoint someone you trust to handle financial and property matters if you cannot act for yourself.

Powers of Attorney for Health Care

Name someone to make healthcare decisions for you and help communicate your wishes.

Living Will and Healthcare Directive Planning

Document your preferences for medical care and end-of-life decisions.

Beneficiary Designation Review

Review retirement accounts, life insurance, bank accounts, and other beneficiary designations so they work with your estate plan.

Transfer on Death Instruments

Plan for the transfer of Illinois real estate outside of probate when appropriate.

Basic Trust Planning

Discuss whether a trust may make sense for your family, property, privacy, or probate-avoidance goals.

Business Owner Estate Planning

Coordinate personal estate planning with business ownership, succession questions, buyout issues, and beneficiary planning.

Common Reasons to Create or Update an Estate Plan

Life Has Changed

  • You recently got married or engaged
  • You had a child or are planning for children
  • You bought a home or other real estate
  • You started a business or own part of a business

You Want to Make Things Easier for Family

  • You want to name trusted decision-makers
  • You want your wishes clearly documented
  • You want to reduce confusion during an emergency
  • You want your family to know what to do next

Your Current Plan Needs a Review

  • You have an old will
  • You have no estate plan at all
  • Your assets or family situation changed
  • Your beneficiary designations may not match your wishes

What You Can Expect

1. Identify Your Goals

We start by reviewing your family situation, property, decision-makers, healthcare wishes, and planning concerns.

2. Prepare the Right Documents

Your plan may include wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, beneficiary planning, transfer instruments, or trust planning.

3. Explain Next Steps

You get clear explanations of what each document does, how signing works, and how to keep your plan updated over time.

Estate Planning Should Feel Organized, Not Overwhelming

A good estate plan is not only about what happens after death. It also helps protect you during life by naming people who can help with healthcare, finances, and important decisions if an emergency happens.

Contact Us

Tell us what’s going on and we’ll review your message.

Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not include confidential, sensitive, or urgent information. See our Disclaimer and Privacy Notice.