Preparing for the future means protecting the people and property that matter most. With a trust, living will, and estate plan, you can make sure your wishes are followed and your loved ones are cared for.

At Crosby & Crosby Law, our Rockford, Illinois trust and estate lawyers help families create customized plans that bring clarity and peace of mind. Whether you need a living trust attorney in Rockford, IL or help setting up a will, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.

Call (815) 367-6432 today to schedule your free consultation with our team.

Understanding Living Wills

A living will is a legal document that outlines an individual’s preferences for medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate their wishes. It typically addresses scenarios such as terminal illness or injury, specifying the types of life-sustaining measures one does or does not want. This document helps ensure that a person’s healthcare decisions align with their values and desires.

If you’re looking to create a living will, our Rockford will attorneys are here to help. Reach out today to set up your free consultation.

Understanding Wills and Trusts

Many people delay estate planning because it feels complicated—but having a clear plan in place protects your loved ones and prevents stressful legal issues later down the road. Wills and trusts both ensure your assets are handled according to your wishes, not the state’s.

You may benefit from creating a will or trust if you:

  • Own a home, property, or valuable assets
  • Have children and want to name a guardian
  • Want to avoid probate and make things easier for your family
  • Have specific wishes for how your estate is distributed
  • Want to reduce estate taxes or protect beneficiaries

What’s the Difference Between Wills & Trusts?

A will is a legal document that outlines your final wishes—who inherits your property, who cares for your minor children, and how you want your affairs handled.

A trust, on the other hand, allows you to manage and distribute your assets during your lifetime and after, often avoiding probate altogether. Trusts can offer faster distribution to beneficiaries, greater privacy, potential tax savings, and added protection for minors or family members with special needs.

It’s also important to consider a living will, sometimes called a healthcare directive. This document outlines your medical care preferences if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. It ensures your wishes are respected and eases the burden on loved ones during difficult times.

At Crosby & Crosby Law, our living trust and estate attorneys in Rockford, IL can help you decide which tools best fit your needs and guide you through the entire process with clarity and compassion. Contact us today to begin securing your family’s future.

Why Choose Crosby & Crosby Law?

To properly protect your estate, experience matters. Here’s why families in Rockford trust us:

  • Local and Experienced – We understand the nuances of Illinois estate laws and put them to use for you.
  • Personalized Service – You’re never treated like a case number—every client gets respectful and caring one-on-one attention.
  • Clear, Simple Process – We know that estate planning can be complex, which is why we make the planning process easy to understand.
  • Comprehensive Protection – We cover wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and more—we’re your one-stop shop for everything you need to plan your future.

What to Expect When You Contact Crosby & Crosby Law

At Crosby & Crosby Law, we believe estate planning should bring peace of mind—not confusion or stress. When you reach out to our Rockford trust and estate lawyers, we take the time to listen, understand your goals, and guide you with clarity every step of the way.

Here’s how the process works:

1. We start with a real conversation. During your consultation, we’ll talk about your family, your priorities, and what you want your plan to achieve.

2. We design a plan around you. Every family is different, so your will, trust, or estate documents will be tailored to your specific goals and circumstances.

3. We handle the details. Our attorneys prepare and review all the necessary documents to make sure everything is accurate, valid, and legally sound.

4. You move forward with confidence. When the process is complete, you’ll leave knowing your wishes are protected and your loved ones are secure.

Estate planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Crosby & Crosby Law is here to make it clear, manageable, and built entirely around your needs.

All Your Estate Planning Needs

Our lawyers can help with more than just wills and trusts. We offer guidance and legal support for a wide range of estate planning needs, including:

  • Living wills and powers of attorney
  • Revocable and irrevocable trusts
  • Guardianship designations for minors or dependents
  • Probate and estate administration
  • Asset protection and charitable giving
  • Business succession planning

No matter what your goals are, Crosby & Crosby Law can create a plan that protects your legacy and gives your family peace of mind. Contact us today to speak with an experienced living trust attorney in Rockford, IL.

Take the First Step – Call Us Today!

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect your assets and your loved ones with a solid estate plan. Our Rockford, Illinois trust estate lawyers are here to help.

Call Crosby & Crosby Law at (815) 367-6432 to schedule your free consultation with our team.

Wills & Trusts – Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don’t have a will or trust?

If you pass away without a will or trust, Illinois law will determine how your assets are distributed. This process, called intestate succession, may not align with your wishes. It can also create delays and added costs for your family. A will or trust ensures your assets go to the right people without unnecessary legal complications.

Can I change my will or trust after it’s created?

Yes, you can. Life changes, such as marriage, divorce, having children, or acquiring new assets, may require updates to your estate plan. Our Rockford trust estate lawyers can help you revise your documents to reflect your current wishes.

Do I need a lawyer to create a will or trust?

While DIY estate planning options exist, mistakes can make your will or trust invalid or lead to disputes. An experienced living trust attorney in Rockford, IL, ensures your documents are legally sound and meet your specific needs.

At Crosby & Crosby, You’re Never Alone

We want you to know that first and foremost, we’re here to help you succeed and protect what you value most.

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Questions? We Can Help!

Helpful questions about family law

How to choose the right divorce lawyer?

Choosing the right divorce lawyer, in our mind, comes down to three factors. First, is this lawyer going to be an aggressive advocate for me? Second, is this lawyer a person I can get along with personally? Third, do I trust this lawyer to communicate with me effectively? If you walk away from a consultation with a lawyer answering yes to those three questions, you have likely found the lawyer who is right for you.

Legal work can be extremely time consuming. Your expectations should not necessarily be that your lawyer is someone you can vent to about your personal life, as that would likely result in an unreasonably high bill. But you should expect your lawyer to keep you informed as to the status of your case. You should also expect your lawyer to listen to your wishes and concerns and use those thoughts as a basis for your case. You don’t need to talk to your lawyer everyday, but you should hear from them every other week or so.

Expect the unexpected when it comes to the Court dates. The Court system is based on a first-come-first-serve calendar, when the case is not filed as an emergency. All initial Court dates are determined by the Clerk of the Court, not of the lawyer or client. If you have a lawyer, expect the Judges to want your lawyer to do the talking, unless the Judge asks the client a question directly. You should also expect the Judge to keep the Courtroom as orderly as possible. Judges very much look down on people who speak out of turn. As for dress, the Court does not require a strict dress code, but it is always a good idea to dress professionally to show the Judge that you take the system and their Courtroom seriously.

There is a process in the law referred to as “discovery” that allows a party to a legal proceeding to discover information about the opposing party. In the context of a divorce, “discovery” is primarily used in the form of written questions and written requests for the opposing party to provide documents to the party that is doing the requesting. These are called “interrogatories” and “requests to produce.” During the process, the party answering the questions or requests must provide a written testimony, under oath, that the documents and answers are true and accurate. It is through this process of “discovery” that we are able to learn what assets a party possesses.

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