Cook County · № 07Locations / Evanston / Estate Planning

Estate Planning
in Evanston, IL.

Your Kids & Grandkids, Covered

Make sure the people you love get what you've built.

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Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy, it's for anyone who wants to make sure their family is taken care of. Without a plan, Illinois probate courts decide who gets your assets, who takes care of your children, and how your life's work is distributed.

At our firm, we work with families across Chicago's Northern Suburbs to create estate plans that protect your legacy, minimize taxes, avoid probate, and ensure your wishes are honored.

What this looks like in Evanston.

Evanston home values, long appreciated, have pushed many longtime homeowners well above the Illinois estate tax threshold of $4 million per person when combined with retirement accounts and other assets. Our estate planning work in Evanston typically centers on bypass trust structures to capture both spouses' Illinois exemptions, beneficiary designation reviews across Northwestern or NorthShore retirement accounts, and charitable legacy planning for clients connected to Northwestern or local nonprofits.

Median home value

$380,000

Median income

$82,000

Over 55

28% of residents

County

Cook County

Cook County considerations

The county details.

Illinois's $4 million estate tax exemption is the defining issue in Cook County estate planning, and it catches more families than expect it. A primary residence worth $1.2 million, a $1.5 million investment portfolio, and $500,000 in life insurance already totals $3.2 million, before accounting for retirement accounts. Without specific trust planning, both the federal and Illinois estate tax exemptions may not be fully utilized at the first spouse's death. An AB trust or disclaimer trust design ensures both spouses' Illinois exemptions are captured, potentially protecting up to $8 million from Illinois estate tax.

Why Evanston.

Evanston residents benefit from proximity to world-class healthcare at NorthShore University HealthSystem, a strong public transit system (Metra and CTA), and a cultural scene that makes retirement anything but boring.

About Evanston

Home to Northwestern University and our offices at 909 Davis Street, Evanston is where our family has served clients since 1977. A vibrant, walkable city with excellent healthcare access and a strong community of retirees.

Common questions