Category
Choose forms Please choose forms
Choose forms

Illinois Estate Planning

Estate Planning helps manage your assets and legacy. Our attorney-drafted templates are quick and easy to complete.

intro Estate Planning

What is Estate Planning?

Estate Planning involves preparing documents to manage your assets during life and after death. Select a subcategory for the most relevant templates.

Common Illinois Estate Planning documents

  • Last Will and Testament — outlines how to distribute your assets after death.
  • Power of Attorney — designates someone to handle your affairs if you are unable.
  • Living Trust — manages assets during your lifetime and specifies distribution after death.
  • Healthcare Directive — outlines your medical wishes if you cannot communicate them.
  • Living Will — specifies your preferences for end-of-life medical care.
  • Probate Documents — facilitate the legal process of settling an estate.

Estate Planning forms by State

Popular forms

Find a form

This field is required

Similar documents: key differences

  • Last Will vs. Living Trust — a will distributes assets after death, while a trust manages them during life.
  • Power of Attorney vs. Healthcare Directive — a POA manages financial matters, while a healthcare directive addresses medical decisions.
  • Living Will vs. Healthcare Directive — both express medical wishes, but terminology may differ across states.
  • Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets — probate assets go through court, while non-probate assets transfer directly.

  • Documents should reflect your current wishes and circumstances.

  • Proper signing, including witnesses or notarization, is often necessary.

  • Related documents, like powers of attorney and directives, should be consistent.

  • Keep your estate plan updated after major life events.

  • Select trusted individuals for important roles, such as executors or agents.

  • Store originals securely and inform trusted family members or friends.

How to get started

Start in minutes with these steps.

  • Find a template or package that fits your situation.
  • Review the description, preview, and signing requirements.
  • Get full access with a subscription.
  • Complete it in the online editor.
  • Export or send: download, email, USPS mail, notarize online, or send for e-signature.

Practical tip

It’s helpful to review your estate plan regularly to ensure it reflects your current wishes.

FAQs

Estate Planning helps manage and allocate your assets according to your wishes.

An Estate Plan often includes a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive.

Review your Estate Plan after significant life events, like marriage or the birth of a child.

A Living Trust manages your assets during your lifetime and specifies distribution after death.

Glossary

  • Estate - All assets owned by an individual at their death.
  • Will - A legal document outlining asset distribution after death.
  • Trust - An arrangement for managing assets on behalf of beneficiaries.
  • Power of Attorney - Legal authority to act on someone’s behalf.
  • Healthcare Directive - Document specifying medical treatment preferences.
  • Probate - The legal process of administering a deceased person's estate.
  • Beneficiary - An individual entitled to receive assets from an estate.
  • Executor - The person responsible for carrying out the terms of a will.
  • Living Will - Document detailing end-of-life medical care preferences.
  • Legacy - What you leave behind for future generations.

Trusted by over 3 million people of the world’s leading companies