Estate Planning · Naperville, Illinois
Wills & Pour-Over Wills Your Final Word, Legally Protected
A valid Illinois will is the foundation of every estate plan. Without one, the state decides who gets your property, who raises your children, and who handles your affairs. Brad Plaschke drafts wills that hold up — in every Illinois court.
What We Do
Wills in Illinois — What You Need to Know
Illinois law requires a will to be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two people who are not beneficiaries. An improperly executed will can be challenged and voided — leaving your family in exactly the situation you tried to prevent.
Last Will & Testament
Directs who receives your probate assets, names an executor to administer your estate, and — critically — names a guardian for minor children. Goes through the Illinois probate process before assets are distributed.
Pour-Over Will
Works alongside a living trust. “Pours” any assets not already in your trust into it at death — ensuring nothing falls outside your plan. Essential for anyone with a revocable living trust as their primary planning tool.
"For Illinois families with minor children, a will isn't optional — it's the only way to legally name a guardian. Without one, a court decides who raises your kids."
— Brad Plaschke, Managing Attorney · ARDC #6225854
Will Types We Draft
The Right Will for Every Situation
01
Simple Will
Straightforward asset distribution with named executor and beneficiaries. Ideal for individuals or couples with uncomplicated estates and adult beneficiaries.
02
Pour-Over Will
Paired with a revocable living trust. Captures any assets not in the trust and directs them into it at death — the essential safety net for trust-based plans.
03
Testamentary Trust Will
Creates a trust within the will itself, taking effect at death. Useful for protecting a minor child’s inheritance until they reach a specified age.
04
Will with Guardian Nomination
Formally nominates a guardian for minor or disabled children. Without this, an Illinois court appoints one — potentially someone you would never have chosen.
How It Works
Our Attorney-Led Process
01
Week 1
Free Planning Review
Brad assesses your family situation, assets, and goals to determine the right will structure — simple, pour-over, or testamentary trust.
02
Week 1–2
Beneficiary & Executor Design
We work through every decision: who gets what, in what order, who serves as executor, and who raises your children if needed.
03
Week 2–3
Drafting & Plain-Language Review
Brad drafts the will and walks you through every provision in language you understand. Revisions until everything is precisely right.
04
Week 3–4
Formal Execution
Witnessed signing with notarization in accordance with Illinois law — ensuring your will is valid, enforceable, and challenge-resistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my estate if I die without a will in Illinois?
Illinois intestate succession laws determine who inherits — and the results may surprise you. Your estate is divided among statutory heirs based on a fixed formula. A surviving spouse does not automatically receive everything if you have children. Your wishes, relationships, and intentions are completely irrelevant to the court.
Is a handwritten (holographic) will valid in Illinois?
If I have a will, does my estate still go through probate?
Can I disinherit a spouse or child in Illinois?
How often should I update my will?
What Naperville Families Say
“We finally got our wills done after years of putting it off. Brad made the whole process straightforward — we understood every single provision. Most importantly, our kids are now protected if something happens to us.”
James & Carolyn M.
“My prior will was outdated and had a deceased executor named. Brad caught issues we didn’t even know to ask about and drafted a complete update in under three weeks. Thorough, professional, and genuinely cares about the outcome.”
Patricia W.
“Brad explained the difference between a simple will and a pour-over will in plain language and helped us decide which approach fit our situation. No upselling, just honest guidance. Exactly what we needed.”
Robert & Anne F
Ready to Protect Your Family?
Schedule a free planning review. No pressure, no obligation — just clear answers from an experienced Illinois estate attorney.
Attorney advertising. Not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship created by this website. IL ARDC #6225854.