A Modern Approach to Trusts,
With Clear Guidance & Proven Results
Trust lawyers providing clear, legally sound estate planning to protect your assets, honor your wishes, and simplify the process for your loved ones—without hidden costs or future issues.
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Get Answers, Not Legal Jargon
We understand how confusing it can be to find a lawyer who gets you and keeps your best interests first. At Zeidman & Carpenter, we listen first—understanding your situation and guiding you to the best legal options. Whether you need a lawyer or just the right advice, we’ll give you honest answers, not pressure.
The grantor, also known as the trustor, is the person who creates the trust and determines how their assets should be managed and distributed. They set the terms and choose beneficiaries, ensuring their wealth is preserved and transferred according to their wishes.
The trustee is responsible for managing the trust and carrying out the grantor’s instructions. Whether it’s an individual or a financial institution, the trustee oversees investments, distributions, and legal obligations to protect assets and ensure beneficiaries receive their inheritance as intended.
Beneficiaries are the individuals or entities who receive assets from the trust. This can include family members, charities, or businesses. The trust outlines how and when distributions are made, providing financial security and avoiding probate complications.
A trust holds assets such as real estate, bank accounts, investments, or valuable possessions. These assets are legally transferred into the trust to protect them from probate, minimize taxes, and ensure a smooth transition to beneficiaries.
The terms of the trust dictate how assets will be distributed, either immediately or over time. The trust can specify conditions, such as reaching a certain age, education milestones, or financial responsibility, ensuring the grantor’s legacy is handled with care.
1. Revocable Trust (Living Trust) - A revocable trust allows the grantor (creator) to retain control over assets during their lifetime and make changes as needed. It avoids probate, ensures privacy, and provides seamless asset transfer after death.
2. Irrevocable Trust - Once established, an irrevocable trust cannot be modified or revoked without beneficiary approval. It offers strong asset protection from creditors and potential estate tax advantages.
3. Testamentary Trust - This trust is created through a will and goes into effect upon the grantor's death. It helps manage and distribute assets to beneficiaries under specific conditions, such as minors or those with special needs.
4. Special Needs Trust (SNT) - Designed for beneficiaries with disabilities, an SNT helps provide financial support without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
5. Charitable Trust - A charitable trust benefits a specific nonprofit organization or cause while potentially providing tax deductions to the grantor. Common types include charitable remainder trusts (CRT) and charitable lead trusts (CLT).
6. Asset Protection Trust (APT) - An APT shields assets from creditors, lawsuits, or legal judgments. These are often established in jurisdictions with strong asset protection laws, such as Nevada or offshore locations.
7. Spendthrift Trust - This trust protects beneficiaries from poor financial decisions or creditors by restricting how and when they receive distributions. It’s commonly used for heirs who need structured financial management.
8. Marital Trust (A-B Trust) - A marital trust is designed to protect a surviving spouse while reducing estate taxes. It ensures assets are passed on to heirs, often used in estate tax planning.
9. Generation-Skipping Trust (GST) - This trust allows assets to be passed directly to grandchildren or later generations, bypassing the grantor’s children to reduce estate taxes.
10. Life Insurance Trust - A life insurance trust holds and manages life insurance policies outside of the estate, helping to avoid estate taxes on the death benefit.
Planning for the Future, Protecting What Matters
"I worked with Jade on preparing estate planning documents and Jade's services and approach exceeded my expectations. She is extremely knowledgable about estate planning, cares about understanding her clients' needs and is creative and flexible in navigating open questions to create best possible outcome. I found her easy to work with and she made the whole process smooth and efficient."
Estate Planning
With Clear Guidance
Watch Our Video: Discover how Zeidman and Carpenter helps clients secure their legacy through tailored estate planning, wills, and trusts—proactively protecting assets, ensuring family security, and providing clear, thoughtful legal guidance.
Trust Questions, Answered
Answers to clarify cost, time, outcome and strategy to help you make the right decision for your situation.
A revocable trust allows the grantor to make changes or revoke the trust at any time while they are alive. It helps avoid probate and provides flexibility. An irrevocable trust, once created, cannot be changed or revoked without the beneficiaries' consent. It offers greater asset protection and tax benefits but limits the grantor's control.
We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprises. Our fee structure depends on the complexity of your estate planning needs. Here’s how we typically charge:
Flat Fees – For services like wills, trusts, power of attorney, or healthcare directives, we offer clear, upfront pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
Hourly Rates – For more complex matters such as probate administration, contested estates, or tax planning strategies, we charge competitive hourly rates with detailed billing transparency.
Retainer – For ongoing estate planning and legal support, we require an initial retainer that covers consultations, estate document drafting, and trust administration. We provide regular case updates so you always know where your investment is going.
Payment Plans – Available when applicable, depending on the nature of your estate planning needs.
The estate law process varies depending on the case type, but most follow these general steps:
1. Consultation & Case Evaluation – Meet with an estate lawyer to discuss your legal concerns, assess estate assets, review existing documents, and determine the best strategy for estate planning or litigation.
2. Drafting & Filing Legal Documents – Create and file necessary estate documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or probate petitions to ensure proper legal protection and asset distribution.
3. Probate Process & Executor Appointment – If probate is required, the court officially appoints an executor or administrator to manage and distribute the estate according to the will or state law.
4. Debt Settlement & Asset Valuation – The executor identifies estate assets, pays off outstanding debts, taxes, and legal fees, and ensures the correct valuation of inherited property.
5. Beneficiary Disputes & Mediation – If heirs or beneficiaries dispute asset distribution, mediation or court intervention may be necessary to resolve conflicts and uphold the deceased’s wishes.
6. Estate Litigation (If Necessary) – If disputes escalate, estate litigation may be required for contested wills, breach of fiduciary duty, asset mismanagement, or inheritance claims.
7. Final Distribution & Court Approval – Once all debts are settled and disputes resolved, the remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries, and the court provides final approval.
8. Post-Judgment Modifications & Trust Administration – If changes arise, such as new heirs, asset reallocation, or updates to trusts, modifications can be made to ensure ongoing legal compliance and estate management.
Each case is unique, and timelines depend on complexity, potential disputes, and court backlogs.
Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in your case. We're here to make your life easier, not harder.
Proven Estate Planning Strategies – We take a personalized, results-driven approach to crafting wills, trusts, and asset protection plans that align with your long-term goals.
Transparent Pricing & No Hidden Fees – You’ll know exactly what to expect from day one, with upfront pricing and no surprises.
Personalized Attention – Your estate plan isn’t one-size-fits-all—you’ll work directly with an experienced attorney who understands your unique needs.
Clear Communication & Case Updates – No waiting for answers—we keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring your estate plan is legally sound and aligned with your wishes.
Strategic Planning for Your Legacy – We take a proactive approach to minimize taxes, avoid probate, and provide long-term security for your family and beneficiaries.
During your free consultation, we provide a clear, step-by-step legal roadmap based on your unique situation. Each roadmap is designed to give you clarity, eliminate surprises, and provide a structured plan so you know exactly what comes next
A will takes effect after your death and distributes assets through probate, while a trust can manage assets during your lifetime and avoid probate, offering more privacy and control over distributions.– Any legal concerns or clarifications you need to ensure your estate plan aligns with your wishes and protects your loved ones.
The length of an estate law case depends on the complexity of your estate, court schedules, and whether disputes arise. Here’s a general breakdown:
Wills & Trusts – Typically a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the estate and the specific planning needs.
Probate Cases – 6 months to 2+ years, depending on whether the estate is contested, the number of heirs, debts, and court processing times.
Estate Litigation – Several months to multiple years, especially if disputes arise over inheritance, asset distribution, or executor misconduct.
Business Succession Planning – A few weeks to several months, depending on the legal structure, ownership transfers, and tax considerations.
Power of Attorney & Healthcare Directives – Immediate effect once signed, though legal disputes over validity may extend timelines.
Every estate law case is unique, and while we strive to achieve the best possible outcome, no attorney can guarantee a specific result. However, here’s what you can expect when working with us:
Clear Expectations Upfront – An honest assessment of your estate plan or probate case, outlining potential risks, legal obligations, and the best course of action.
A Strong Legal Strategy – A customized estate plan designed to protect your assets, minimize tax burdens, and ensure your wishes are carried out exactly as intended.
Expert Guidance in Probate & Estate Litigation – Proven legal strategies to navigate probate smoothly, resolve beneficiary disputes, and enforce wills or trusts effectively.
Transparent Communication – Regular updates on your estate planning process, probate timeline, or legal proceedings—so you always know what comes next.
A Focus on Protecting Your Legacy & Loved Ones – We provide long-term estate planning solutions to safeguard your family’s financial future, prevent legal disputes, and ensure seamless asset distribution.
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Case Study
Protecting a Family’s
Legacy in Skokie, IL
"First time using Zeidman & Carpenter for a real estate closing and it won't be the last! Lee and Corrie were great communicators during this super quick 7 day closing requested by the buyer. Lee had to navigate finding a surveyor who could get the property surveyed quickly which he did before I was able to utilize my contacts in this area at a very reasonable price. They were fantastic to work with and am looking forward to the next real estate transaction."
Our Trust Law Process:
From Start to Winning Outcomes
We make the estate planning process clear, structured, and stress-free. Whether you need wills, trusts, probate assistance, or asset protection, we guide you every step of the way to safeguard your legacy and ensure your wishes are honored.
- Strategic Consultation & Legal Assessment
- Will & Trust Drafting
- Tax Planning & Asset Protection
- Probate & Estate Administration
- Ongoing Legal Support & Updates
At Zeidman & Carpenter, our estate planning consultations go beyond the basics. We take the time to understand your financial situation, family dynamics, and long-term goals to provide a clear, strategic estate plan. Whether you're planning for asset protection, wills and trusts, tax-efficient wealth transfer, or guardianship arrangements, we break down your options in plain English, ensuring you’re informed and prepared. No legal jargon—just practical solutions tailored to secure your legacy and protect your loved ones.
Ensuring your will and trust documents are legally sound, enforceable, and strategically structured is critical to protecting your legacy. Whether you're drafting a will, establishing a trust, or designating beneficiaries, we create comprehensive estate plans that safeguard your assets, minimize taxes, and prevent disputes. Our meticulous approach ensures clarity, legal compliance, and long-term security for your loved ones, giving you peace of mind that your wishes will be honored.
Protecting your wealth and minimizing tax burdens is essential to preserving your legacy. Our estate planning approach includes comprehensive tax strategies and asset protection solutions to safeguard your financial future. Whether you need trust structuring, tax-efficient wealth transfers, or legal protections against creditors and liabilities, we help you navigate complex tax laws to reduce liabilities and maximize asset security. Before finalizing any estate plan, we conduct a thorough legal review to ensure it aligns with your long-term goals and protects what matters most.
Our experienced team ensures that wills are validated, assets are properly accounted for, debts and taxes are settled, and distributions to beneficiaries follow legal requirements. Whether you’re navigating probate court, administering a trust, handling creditor claims, or resolving estate disputes, we provide strategic legal support to minimize delays, prevent conflicts, and ensure full compliance with estate laws. Our goal is to streamline the process, protect your loved one's legacy, and provide you with clarity and peace of mind during this important transition.
Ongoing estate planning support is essential to ensure your wishes remain protected as life changes. We provide long-term legal guidance to help you update wills, trusts, and estate documents, adjust plans for new assets or beneficiaries, and navigate evolving tax laws. Whether you need revisions to your estate plan, assistance with probate matters, or proactive legal strategies, our firm acts as your trusted resource—ensuring your legacy remains secure for generations to come.
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