Estate Planning
Illinois Estate Plan Packages Starting at $1,500
A proper estate plan is the only way for individuals to ensure that their health, property, and loved ones are cared for according to their wishes in the event of death or medical incapacity, and avoid costly court-supervised Probate proceedings. Many lawyers charge $5,000 or more for basic estate plans.
Madden Law LLC is pleased to offer an Essential Estate Planning package, starting at $1,500. The package is specially designed to provide a full suite of the most important estate planning documents for individuals and families of ordinary means and ordinary family circumstances who do not require additional documents or custom modifications. The Essential Estate Planning Package includes:
Although our Essential Estate Planning Package is not appropriate for everyone, our rates are highly competitive and we will work with you to to craft an affordable estate plan that meets your budget and your needs. Contact your Madden Law LLC attorney to discuss estate planning solutions for you and your family.
Did You Know...?
In Illinois, if a married person with children dies without a will, the surviving spouse receives only half of the estate. The other half goes to the children. See for yourself at Section 2-1(a) of the Illinois Probate Act.
Will
A Will is the most commonly known estate planning document. It is a written instrument that allows you to express your wishes for what will happen with your property and assets when you die, and to designate guardians for your children and dependents. In Illinois, Wills are governed by the Illinois Probate Act.
Revocable Living Trust
A Trust is a legally-recognized instrument that allows you to transfer ownership and control of your property and assets to a person of your choosing, called a Trustee.
In a Revocable Living Trust, you designate yourself as the Trustee and another person as Successor Trustee to take over upon your death. During your lifetime, you have complete ownership and control of the property and assets in the Trust as its Trustee, to do with as you wish. When you die, control passes to the Successor Trustee to handle the property and assets according to your written instructions in the Trust document.
A Revocable Living Trust is a crucial part of any estate plan because property and assets in the trust are not subject to costly and time-consuming court-supervised Probate proceedings.
In Illinois, Revocable Living Trusts are governed by the Illinois Trust Code.
Property Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney for Property is a document that allows you to legally authorize another person, called an Agent, to make decisions and take actions on your behalf regarding your property and assets in the event you become incapacitated or disabled while you are alive.
A Power of Attorney for Property is an essential part of your estate plan because it will remove dispute or confusion among your loved ones and third parties about who may make decisions on your behalf regarding your property and assets and what decisions they can make.
In Illinois, Powers of Attorney for Property are governed by the Illinois Power of Attorney Act.
Health Care Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney for Health Care is a document that allows you to legally authorize another person, called an Agent, to make decisions and take actions on your behalf regarding your health care in the event you become incapacitated or disabled while you are alive.
Your Power of Attorney for Health Care can provide instructions to your Agent on important decisions. For example, if you are unconscious and your attending physician determines that you will not wake up or recover your ability to think or communicate, you can instruct your Agent that you want them to keep you alive at any cost, or alternatively, that you do not want treatments to prolong your life or delay your death.
A Power of Attorney for Health Care is an essential part of your estate plan because it will remove dispute or confusion among your loved ones and third parties about who may make medical and health care decisions on your behalf and what decisions they can make.
In Illinois, Powers of Attorney for Health Care are governed by the Illinois Power of Attorney Act.
Advance Directive / Living Will
A Living Will, commonly called an Advance Directive, is a written declaration instructing your physician to withhold or withdraw death-delaying procedures in the event of a terminal condition. It is different from a Health Care Power of Attorney in that it becomes effective only if you have a terminal condition, and it is a direct instruction to your physician, rather than an authorization for a different person to make health care decisions on your behalf. A Living Will is not a substitute for a Health Care Power of Attorney, and a Health Care Power of Attorney is not a substitute for a Living Will. It is important for a person to have both.
In Illinois, Living Wills are governed by the Illinois Living Will Act.
A Practical Guide To Estate Planning
When it comes to securing your family’s future, estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take. Having a solid plan in place can provide real peace of mind, making things easier and less stressful for your loved ones after you’re gone.
At Madden Law LLC, we’ve helped individuals and families across Chicagoland build practical, reliable estate plans that reflect their values and goals. With more than 20 years of legal experience, attorney David Madden takes a straightforward approach that our clients appreciate—clear advice, no pressure, and a focus on getting the details right. He’s authored a host of legal briefs and articles over the years, showing his knowledge and experience in the field. With that skill, we’re here to help you with the estate planning process.
Start With The Basics
Every solid plan starts with the basics. That usually means creating a will, and often a trust as well. These documents aren’t just for people with large estates—they’re useful tools for anyone who wants to have a say in how their property should be handled.
Help from our will and trust advisor can make a significant difference when you’re trying to figure out what best fits your situation. We can help you craft a will, which outlines who gets what, names guardians for children under 18, and allows you to appoint someone you trust to carry out your wishes. Trusts, on the other hand, can offer more control and flexibility—especially when it comes to avoiding probate and managing assets over time.
We often meet clients who aren’t sure if they need a trust. That’s why we offer clear, honest advice. A trust isn’t always necessary, but it can be helpful in many situations—especially if you want your assets to pass privately, quickly, and without court involvement. With our legal living trust assistance, we can help you set up a structure that puts your assets in the hands of a chosen trustee, who manages them according to your specific instructions. We’ll walk you through what’s involved, explain your options, and prepare documents that reflect what you actually want—not just what a template says you should do.
Don’t Forget About Powers Of Attorney
A solid estate plan isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone. It also covers situations where you may be unable to make decisions for yourself. That’s why we recommend including powers of attorney for both healthcare and finances. These documents let someone you trust step in and make decisions on your behalf. It’s not always an easy thing to think about, but it can save your loved ones a lot of stress down the road. As your trust planner, we’ll help you choose the right people and give them the tools they need to step in if necessary.
Let’s Create A Plan That Works for You
At Madden Law LLC, we believe good planning is about clarity and peace of mind. If you’re ready to look into estate planning, we’re here to answer all of your questions and help you through the process. Contact us today to speak with an attorney who can help you put together a plan that reflects your values and protects your loved ones and your assets.