Will Attorney in Glenview, IL
Legally Protect Your Loved Ones with a Valid Illinois Will
Serving Chicago’s North Shore and All of Cook County
A Personal Message from Marty
“One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that wills are simple, and anyone can write one.
The truth? A will can be one of the most powerful tools you leave behind — or a legal mess if it’s done wrong.”
Hi, I’m Marty Fogarty — founder of Freedom Trust Services and an estate planning attorney with over 30 years of experience helping families in Glenview and across Chicago’s North Shore.
If you’ve ever lost someone and had to “figure out their stuff,” you know how hard that time can be — emotionally and legally. A well-crafted will brings clarity and direction. It says:
“I’ve thought this through. I want to make this easier for you.”
Let’s create a will that honors your wishes, protects your loved ones, and gives everyone involved a little more peace.
👉 [Schedule a Free Will Planning Consultation in Glenview]
What Is a Will — And What Does It Do?
A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that:
Outlines who inherits your property and assets
Names guardians for minor children
Appoints an executor to carry out your instructions
Can create testamentary trusts for loved ones with special needs
Covers personal wishes, like charitable gifts or burial preferences
In short: a will gives legal voice to your final wishes. Without one, the state of Illinois decides — not you.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Illinois?
If you pass away without a valid will, you are considered to have died “intestate.” That means:
The Illinois Probate Court decides who gets what
No guardian is named for your minor children — the court decides
No executor of your choosing — a judge appoints someone
Family disputes may arise during an already emotional time
Delays and higher legal fees are likely
🛑 Dying without a will puts the burden on your family — and the decisions in the hands of the state.
✅ A legally valid will keeps control where it belongs: with you.
What Makes a Will Legally Valid in Illinois?
Not all wills are created equal. A handwritten or online will may not stand up in court.
To be legally enforceable in Illinois, a will must:
Be signed by the testator (you), while of sound mind
Be witnessed by two credible adults (not beneficiaries)
Follow specific formatting and procedural rules under Illinois law
At Freedom Trust Services, we ensure every will is crafted and executed to meet these strict standards — so your wishes are honored exactly as intended.
What a Will Can (and Can’t) Do
✅ A Will Can:
Designate who receives specific property (e.g., “My son gets the watch”)
Name a legal guardian for children under 18
Distribute personal items, money, real estate, and heirlooms
Direct final wishes for funeral, burial, or charitable giving
Appoint a trusted executor to handle your affairs
🚫 A Will Can’t:
Avoid probate court in Illinois
Control jointly held or beneficiary-designated assets (like IRAs or life insurance)
Automatically protect assets from creditors or lawsuits
Serve as a substitute for a trust in complex family or financial situations
That’s why many clients use a will as part of a trust-based estate plan — combining the simplicity of a will with the power of a living trust.
Who Needs a Will in Illinois?
The answer is simple: every adult who cares what happens to their family, property, or children. Especially:
Parents with minor children
Unmarried individuals with specific wishes
Blended families where relationships and legacies are complex
Homeowners and business owners
Seniors who want peace of mind and clarity
Even if you already have a trust, you still need a “pour-over will” — to ensure any assets outside the trust are handled correctly.
Why Work with a Will Attorney Instead of Using a Template?
Online wills may seem easy, but they come with big risks:
Invalid witnessing or execution
Poor coordination with trusts or retirement accounts
Outdated or incorrect Illinois legal language
No guidance on what you’ve missed
When you work with Freedom Trust Services, you get:
A custom-drafted will tailored to your family, goals, and assets
Full coordination with your broader estate plan (trusts, POAs, beneficiary designations)
Review and updates as your life changes
A legally sound, court-tested document that your family can trust
“You’re not just writing down who gets what — you’re taking care of the people you love the most.”
Our Will Planning Process
✅ Step 1: Clarity Call
We start with a simple conversation about your family, goals, and concerns.
✅ Step 2: Custom Drafting
We create a will that reflects your wishes — no generic forms, no guesswork.
✅ Step 3: Legal Execution
We guide you through the signing and witnessing process to make it fully valid in Illinois.
✅ Step 4: Long-Term Support
Your will stays updated with life changes — new children, new homes, or new wishes.
Common Questions About Wills in Illinois
Q: What’s the difference between a will and a trust?
A: A will directs who gets what after you pass, but it goes through probate court. A trust avoids court and can provide more privacy, speed, and control — especially for larger estates or blended families.
Q: Can I change my will later?
A: Yes — you can update your will at any time while you have capacity. We make that process easy and accessible.
Q: Is my will valid if I move to another state?
A: Usually, yes. But we recommend a quick legal review to ensure it aligns with new local laws.
Q: What about my digital assets — can I include those in a will?
A: Absolutely. We help clients include emails, social media, and cloud accounts in their estate instructions.
Q: Do I still need a will if I have a trust?
A: Yes. You need a pour-over will to catch any assets not titled in the trust and to name guardians for minor children.
Why Glenview Families Choose Freedom Trust Services
Over 30 years of trusted estate planning in Illinois
Deep understanding of local laws and family dynamics
Compassionate, pressure-free process
Hundreds of 5-star reviews from clients across Glenview and Chicago
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“We had no idea how much went into a will — Marty explained everything clearly and helped us make the right decisions for our family.”
– Jason & Carla M., Glenview
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“It was such a relief to finally have this in place. The process was smooth, and I feel more in control of my legacy now.”
– Linda T., Northbrook
Get Started With a Will Attorney in Glenview Today
Creating a will isn’t just a legal task — it’s a personal gift of clarity and peace for the people you love.
📞 Call now or schedule your free consultation online with Freedom Trust Services.
Let’s create a will that protects your family and reflects your voice.
👉 [Book My Free Will Planning Appointment]
