Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Illinois

Re: Wills for married couples with adult and minor children

You cannot give me enough information on this site to advise you on what type of estate you should set up. That's the trouble with on-line forms. Everything is one size fits all. My advice to you is seek the service of an estate planning lawyer. Lawyers are not "high priced document preparers" like the on-line services want you to believe. Lawyers advise you as to the right estate plan for you taking into consideration your heirs, taxes and many other things that the on-liners don't. Besides, there are thousands of horror stories about on-line estate documents. I'll bet if you read the website closely, it'll have a disclaimer on there somewhere saying they are not responsible for any legal errors or mistakes of law made in filling in the blanks. You won't know, but your heirs will when the mistakes come forth at the probate of your estate. It seems that the protection of your children are foremost in planning your estate. Why would you go cheap on such a protection? Also, how do you know these forms are attorney prepared, specific to Illinois? Do yourself a favor and seek the sevice of an estate planning lawyer.

Re: Wills for married couples with adult and minor children

First of all, neither of those forms appears to fit your situation. Second, every individual is different -- it is very unlikely you will find a form that meets your needs, even if you think it does. Forms that are sold on websites or elsewhere, whether or not they are drafted by attorneys, often accomplish a very limited purpose. I have seen one too many a nightmare situation arising out of form wills purchased online. If you do choose to go that route anyway, I wish you (and your family members and heirs) good luck!