Firm Overview
Law Offices of Jeanine Friedman PC is committed to providing estate planning services to families and individuals in all stages of life throughout Wilmette, Evanston, the North Shore and the greater Chicago area. Many of us put off estate planning, thinking that it is unnecessary or something we cannot afford. We end up making no provisions for our families and giving no instructions on how to handle our finances, or even medical decisions, if we become unable to do so. Or we attempt to plan our estates by ourselves, making serious mistakes that jeopardize everything we have worked so hard for during our lifetimes.
Many times, when a family member dies without an estate plan, their families become embroiled in disputes over how to handle the finances and the personal belongings of the deceased or how to address health decisions. Relationships are destroyed and the grieving process becomes painfully prolonged. If we pass on without any enforceable instructions, the State of Illinois will intercede to distribute our estate in a manner we may not agree with, and the State may even appoint a guardian we would not have chosen for our minor children. By planning your estate in advance, you can decide what will happen to your assets and preserve your family’s stability and harmony.
Services Provided
Jeanine Friedman offers a comprehensive set of estate planning documents that are tailored to you, your goals and your family’s unique needs.
The following documents provide a good foundation for your estate plan:
- Revocable Living Trust
- Pour-Over Will
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Health Care Power of Attorney
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Living Will
- Certification of Trust
As part of the package, Ms. Friedman will spend substantial time and effort assisting you with the funding of your trust and recordation of deeds. For more information on these important documents and other estate planning questions, please feel free to explore the Estate Planning FAQs.
In addition, Ms. Friedman offers single document preparation.
Communication Throughout the Process
Open communication is the foundation of a long-lasting and effective attorney-client relationship. This is why Ms. Friedman begins her relationship with her clients with an initial brainstorming session and discusses each step of the estate planning process. An additional consultation is offered to address concerns a client may have after viewing a draft set of documents.
- Brainstorming Session
The initial brainstorming session allows Ms. Friedman to discuss with you all of your needs, your family’s needs, and your goals. This discussion is often emotional, involving contemplation of what will happen to your family after your death or if you are incapacitated. Although this discussion can be difficult, it is best to plan now while you are healthy.
- Private Consultations
You are also entitled to a private consultation with Jeanine Friedman where you thoroughly review drafts of your documents. She will discuss your plan in detail with you to ensure that you understand all aspects of your decisions and that your wishes are properly represented in your estate documents. Once your plan is finalized, you will meet with her to execute the original documents.
Long-Lasting Client Relationships
As your family grows and changes, it is likely that your estate planning needs will change, too. Jeanine Friedman is dedicated to helping her clients through these changes over the course of their lives. As part of her estate planning package, she encourages her clients to contact her with any questions, comments, or follow-up concerns you may have after you have completed your plan. Meet with Ms. Friedman and plan today to protect your family’s future.
