Chicago · Cook County · Illinois
Chicago estate planning attorney.
Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
Hunsinger Law Group helps Chicago individuals and couples put clear, Illinois-compliant plans in place: who makes decisions if you cannot, who cares for your children, and how your property passes.
Complimentary through November 30, 2026. Meet with an attorney for up to 25 minutes to discuss your goals and next steps. View fee terms.
Who we help
Planning for life in Chicago.
Many of our Chicago clients are busy professionals, condo owners, and young families who know they should have a plan but have not started. Others are updating documents after a marriage, divorce, new child, or move from another state. We start with your priorities and recommend the right next step.
Common reasons people call us
- You have young children and no named guardian
- You own a condo or home in Cook County
- You want someone you trust to handle finances or medical decisions
- Your will or trust was signed before a marriage, divorce, or move
- You own property in Illinois and Missouri, or in another state
What makes Illinois different
Illinois estate planning basics.
Estate planning documents only work if they meet Illinois requirements. Here are a few rules that shape Chicago plans.
Wills need two witnesses
An Illinois will must be in writing, signed by you, and attested in your presence by two or more credible witnesses (755 ILCS 5/4-3). A will can also nominate a guardian for minor children. Wills, guardians, and your family: our guide.
Illinois statutory power of attorney forms
Illinois has statutory short forms for property and for health care. The property form is not effective unless signed before at least one witness and a notary (Illinois Department on Aging). The health care form needs one qualified witness and no notary (755 ILCS 45/4-10). Powers of attorney and health care: our guide.
Illinois has its own estate tax
Illinois estates over $4 million may owe Illinois estate tax, and Illinois does not let a surviving spouse use the deceased spouse’s unused exemption the way federal law does (Nolo). Married couples near that line should plan for it.
Trusts and transfer on death instruments
A funded living trust can keep assets out of probate in the Circuit Court of Cook County. For real estate, Illinois also allows a transfer on death instrument, which must be properly executed and recorded before death. Living trusts and funding: our guide.
This page is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Statutes change; we confirm the current requirements for your documents during your engagement.
Know the cost before you commit
Flat-fee estate planning in Chicago.
Choose whether you are planning for one person, a couple, or a more complex estate. You do not need to pick documents first. We recommend the approach and confirm scope with you.
Standard Estate Plan
For one person
$2,000
$1,000 to start + $1,000 at signing
Attorney-guided planning tailored to your family, property, and goals, whether your plan is will-centered or trust-centered.
Standard Estate Plan
For a couple
$3,000
$1,000 to start + $1,000 during planning + $1,000 at signing
Coordinated planning for two people. We assess whether joint representation is appropriate and recommend the approach that fits.
Complex Estate Plan
For advanced estates
$5,000
$2,000 to start + $1,500 during planning + $1,500 at signing
In-depth planning for scenarios like special needs trusts, blended families, and business succession.
Prices and payment schedules reflect our published estate-planning fee schedule. The engagement agreement controls the services included and final fees. Confirm any deed preparation, recording costs, trust funding, tax work, or later revisions before proceeding.
How it works
A clear path from the first conversation.
Most of the process can happen by video, with signing arranged to meet Illinois witness and notary requirements.
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Talk through your goals
Discuss your family, property, existing documents, and priorities. We help identify an appropriate planning approach.
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Confirm the scope & engagement
We complete conflict and fit review, confirm the fee, and provide the engagement agreement and payment instructions.
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Provide information & review your plan
After engagement, complete the intake and provide requested records through the channel we designate. We prepare the agreed documents and review the key choices with you.
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Sign under Illinois requirements
We coordinate witnesses and notarization where Illinois law requires them, and explain storage, beneficiary updates, and any trust funding steps.
Local office
Estate planning from our Chicago Loop office.
Our Chicago office is on South Michigan Avenue in the Loop. We serve clients in Chicago and Cook County and meet virtually with clients elsewhere in Illinois.
Moving to or from St. Louis, or own property in Missouri? We are licensed in both states and can plan around property on both sides of the river.
Virtual planning meetings are available. We discuss the appropriate signing arrangements for your documents.
Before you get started
Chicago estate planning questions.
Do I need a will or a trust in Illinois?
It depends on your property, family, and goals. A will controls property in your name alone and can name a guardian. A funded living trust can help avoid probate, which many Cook County families prefer. We recommend an approach after hearing about your situation.
Is a power of attorney from another state valid in Illinois?
Often, but not always smoothly. Banks and hospitals in Chicago are most familiar with the Illinois statutory forms. If you moved here with documents from another state, we can review them and recommend updates.
Will my estate go through probate in Cook County?
If you die owning assets in your name alone without beneficiary designations or a funded trust, a probate case may be needed in the Circuit Court of Cook County. Good planning can reduce or avoid that.
We are married. Do we need to worry about the Illinois estate tax?
If your combined estate, including life insurance and retirement accounts, could exceed $4 million, Illinois estate tax planning is worth discussing because Illinois does not allow portability between spouses.
Can we meet virtually?
Yes. Planning meetings can happen by video. We arrange signing so your documents meet Illinois witness and notary requirements.
What does it cost?
Our published flat fees are $2,000 for one person, $3,000 for a couple, and $5,000 for complex estates. The engagement agreement confirms scope before work begins.
Take the next step
You do not need every answer to get started.
Begin with a short attorney-guided planning session. You do not need to select documents before you book.
Book Your Complimentary Estate Planning Start Session
Complimentary through November 30, 2026. Meet with an attorney for up to 25 minutes to discuss your goals and next steps. Published terms.
Already ready to move forward?
Request an estate-planning engagement agreement. Tell us your name, city or county, best contact number, and the package you are considering.
Request an Engagement Agreement
Opens your email app to info@hlawgrp.com. No email app? Call (833) 256-6644. Do not attach financial records, account numbers, or other sensitive documents to the initial request.
This is a request to begin the intake process, not an online purchase or confirmation of representation. Firm acceptance and an executed engagement agreement are required.
Looking for the other office? See St. Louis estate planning or our Illinois & Missouri estate planning overview.