Many individuals and families turn to trusts to manage assets during life and after death. Whether you are planning for future care, avoiding probate, or protecting property, a trust offers control and clarity. Without legal support, however, a trust may fail to reflect your intentions or comply with Illinois law.
Working with a trust lawyer ensures your trust is properly structured, legally valid, and aligned with your goals. An attorney can help draft clear terms, minimize tax exposure, and guide long-term administration. This is especially important for families with complex assets or special planning needs.
At Berardi and Associates, we assist clients with creating, reviewing, and updating all types of trusts. With experience in estate planning, real estate, and business matters, we provide practical legal support at every stage. Whether you are establishing your first trust or modifying an existing plan, we offer dependable, personalized guidance.
Types of Trusts We Help You Create
Illinois law allows for many types of trusts, each designed to serve different goals. We help clients evaluate their needs and select the right structure based on family dynamics, financial circumstances, and estate planning objectives.
Revocable Living Trusts
A revocable living trust allows you to maintain control of your assets while alive and dictate how they will be distributed after death. You can update or revoke the trust at any time, and it helps your estate avoid probate. We ensure your trust is properly funded and executed to meet both legal and practical needs.
Irrevocable Trusts
Irrevocable trusts cannot be modified once established, but they offer benefits such as asset protection and tax advantages. These trusts are commonly used for Medicaid planning, charitable giving, or shielding assets from creditors. We help clients determine whether an irrevocable trust fits their circumstances.
Special Needs Trusts
Families with dependents who have disabilities often use special needs trusts to provide support without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits. We ensure these trusts comply with all applicable rules while preserving the beneficiary’s quality of life.
Testamentary Trusts
Created through a will, a testamentary trust takes effect only after your death. It can manage property for minor children, stagger inheritance distributions, or protect vulnerable beneficiaries. We guide clients through the planning and drafting process to ensure clear direction and enforceability.
Why Choose Berardi and Associates, LLC?
Creating a trust is not just about filling out forms. It requires a deep understanding of estate law, tax implications, and asset management. We provide the clarity needed to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
At Berardi and Associates, we take a hands-on, individualized approach to trust planning. We do not rely on templates or generic language. Instead, we work closely with each client to understand their family structure, asset portfolio, and long-term goals. Our trust attorney leads the estate planning process and draws on our firm’s broader experience in real estate and probate law to help prevent future legal complications.
Whether your goal is to secure generational wealth, care for a loved one, or simplify the estate process for your heirs, we are ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will becomes effective after your death and typically requires probate. A trust can take effect during your lifetime and allows assets to be managed or distributed without court involvement.
Can I change my trust after it has been created?
If it is a revocable trust, you can amend or revoke it at any time, as long as you are mentally competent. Irrevocable trusts generally cannot be changed.
Do I still need a will if I have a trust?
Yes. A pour-over will ensures that any assets not titled in the name of your trust are transferred into it after your death.
Should I use an attorney to create a trust?
Yes. A trust attorney ensures your trust is valid, properly funded, and drafted to meet your personal and legal objectives. Mistakes made using generic forms can lead to delays, legal disputes, or unintended distributions.
Plan Ahead with Legal Support You Can Rely On
Trusts are powerful tools to protect assets, care for loved ones, and streamline your estate, but only when built on a solid legal foundation. Without guidance, it is easy to overlook key steps that affect how your trust functions in practice.
At Berardi and Associates, we are ready to help you create or update a trust that reflects your wishes and holds up under legal scrutiny. With years of experience in estate planning and related fields, we offer clear advice and dependable service.
To begin planning your trust, contact us today. You can also explore our legal services or return to our home page for more firm information.