Estate Planning Tailored For Families and Professionals

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Thoughtful Planning For Life and Legacy

Estate planning isn’t just about documents—it’s about creating clarity for the people you love and protecting what you’ve worked for. At Schlack & McGinnity, we help individuals and families develop estate plans that reflect their values, goals, and concerns.


We guide you through every decision with straightforward legal advice, whether you're preparing your first will, setting up a trust, or designating healthcare agents. Our approach is collaborative, informed, and rooted in decades of legal experience.

Estate Planning Services

We offer practical, personalized guidance in all aspects of estate planning, including:

  • Last wills and revocable living trusts

  • Special needs and minor’s trusts

  • Probate avoidance strategies

  • Durable powers of attorney for finances and healthcare

  • Advance directives and guardianship designations

Local insight, long-term relationships

We understand the legal, financial, and family dynamics that shape estate planning. We’re here to answer your questions clearly and provide the tools to help your plan succeed across generations.


Whether you need a full estate plan or updates to reflect a life change, we build long-term relationships with our clients to ensure their plans evolve with them.

Frequently Asked Estate Planning Questions

  • What happens if I don’t have a will in Illinois?

    Without a will, your assets are distributed under Illinois’ intestate laws. This may not reflect your wishes and can complicate probate.

  • How often should I update my estate plan?

    Review your plan every 3–5 years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, childbirth, or acquiring property.

  • Do I need both a will and a trust?

    Not always. We’ll help you determine the best tools for your goals, whether that’s a simple will or a trust designed to avoid probate.