At Jaffe & Berlin, we strive to serve all of our clients’ needs. We apply our knowledge in business, taxation, real estate, litigation, and other areas of the law to provide quality legal services in all estate planning and probate matters. Whether you are a new parent who needs a will, a high net worth individual, or a business owner, we can help you determine the most effective estate plan to meet your individual needs.

Estate Planning

Estate planning for individuals includes preparation of wills and trusts, living wills, and powers of attorney, as well as gifting issues including contributions to charitable organizations, and other concerns relating to the distribution of estates. We believe estate planning should always be a part of business planning as well, where wills, trusts, and all aspects of an estate plan need to address both individual and business needs. In addition to the essentials, we specialize in more sophisticated planning techniques such as:

• Wills
• Powers of Attorney
• Living Wills
• Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
• Qualified Personal Residence Trusts
• Family Limited Partnerships
• Post-Mortem Tools and Techniques
• Estate Planning for the Surviving Spouse
• Decision Making Regarding Disclaimers
• Guardianship Proceedings
• Prenuptial Agreements

Probate

Probate is the court proceeding that proves the validity of a will and through which an estate is administered. Through the probate process, estate assets (assets of the deceased) are collected and, after expenses and taxes are paid, distributed to heirs. Our lawyers efficiently move an estate through the probate process. Our estate planning lawyers also discuss strategies for avoiding probate with our clients.

Estate Taxation

Tax laws, both federal and state, are of critical importance in estate planning. Our estate planning attorneys have years of experience in tax matters, including estate taxation. Federal tax laws affecting estate planning are complex, numerous, and subject to change. We take the time to keep up with changes in the federal tax laws. We also have experience and knowledge in state and local tax laws that affect estate planning.

For help planning your estate or with other trusts and estates issues, please contact Elizabeth Shea at 312-372-1550 or by email at eshea@jaffeberlin.comcreate new email.