Many families don’t realize that probate in Illinois can be slow, public, and costly — especially since Illinois hasn’t adopted the Uniform Probate Code. For families with homes, savings, or other assets, this often means months of court proceedings and extra expense.
Woods & Bates, P.C. has helped Illinois families avoid these headaches for decades. One common way is by setting up a living trust.
What is a Living Trust?
A living trust lets you manage your assets while you’re alive and pass them smoothly to your loved ones when the time comes. You can serve as your own trustee while you’re able, and name someone you trust to step in when needed.
Illinois families often choose between two types:
- Revocable Trust – You keep full control and can make changes.
- Irrevocable Trust – Less flexible but useful in certain situations.
Why Consider a Living Trust?
Skip Probate
Assets inside a living trust usually avoid probate — saving time and court costs. Illinois’ simplified probate only applies to estates under $100,000 with no real estate, leaving many families without that option.
Keep Family Matters Private
Probate records are public. A living trust keeps things between you and your family.
Plan for Incapacity
If you become unable to manage your affairs, a successor trustee can step in without court involvement, helping avoid delays and stress.
Do You Still Need a Will?
Yes. Even with a living trust, a simple “pour-over will” is important. It ensures any assets not titled in your trust are still passed according to your wishes — not Illinois’ default laws. It acts as a backup plan, directing leftover assets into your trust so everything is handled together.
Ready to Get Started?
Woods & Bates, P.C. offers virtual consultations across Illinois. Call 217.735.1234 or visit woodsandbates.com/contact-us to schedule your confidential appointment.
