Estate Planning Attorney in Orland Park, IL
Planning ahead for your family? Get an Illinois estate plan that avoids probate, protects your home, and keeps your wishes in control.
Serving Orland Park, Homer Glen, Frankfort, Naperville, Wheaton, and Will & DuPage County
★★★★★“Michael and his staff were very professional and attentive to our needs. He was a pleasure to work with.”Ronald C., Google review
Request Your Consultation
Your details go straight to our team so we can start reviewing your case right away. Your consultation is free, with no obligation.
or call (708) 364-7280
Proud members of the Illinois State Bar Association, ElderCounsel, and WealthCounsel.
Keep Your Family Out of Probate Court. Put Your Estate Plan in Writing.
A clear estate plan spares your family confusion, cost, and the delay of probate during an already hard time, and it makes sure your wishes are the ones that are followed. Since 1992, Fowler Huguelet has helped Illinois families plan with confidence, from a simple will to a complete trust-based plan.
We take the time to understand your family and your goals, then build a plan that fits, and we explain every step in plain language so you always know what you are signing and why.
How Fowler Huguelet helps you
- Wills that direct your wishes
- Living trusts to help your family avoid probate
- Powers of attorney for finances and healthcare
- Healthcare directives so your wishes are clear
- Special needs planning for a loved one with a disability
- Guardianship designations for your children
Which Best Describes Your Estate Planning Needs?
Tell us where you are and we’ll point you in the right direction. Every path starts with a conversation at no cost to you.
I want to protect my spouse and children
A will or living trust that makes your wishes clear and keeps your family out of probate court.
Get started →I own a business or property to protect
Planning that shields what you have built and passes it to the next generation smoothly.
Get started →I need to update an old or out-of-state plan
A review to make sure your plan still works, and still follows Illinois law.
Get started →Signs It’s Time to Make a Plan
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth a no-cost conversation. We’ll tell you honestly whether you need us.
- ✓You just had a child or grandchild
- ✓You own a home in Illinois
- ✓You want to keep your family out of probate court
- ✓You have a blended family and want your wishes honored
- ✓You care for someone with special needs
- ✓You have not updated your will after a marriage, divorce, or move
- ✓You’ve been named an executor, trustee, or guardian
- ✓You want to plan for medical or financial decisions if you’re incapacitated
- ✓You want to keep your affairs private and out of court
- ✓You want to spare your family cost, delay, and stress
Ready to Talk to an Estate Planning Attorney Today?
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Reach out and you’ll speak directly with our team, get a complimentary consultation, and know your next step.
- ✓You speak with our team, not a call center
- ✓Your first consultation is at no cost, no obligation
- ✓Local to Orland Park, Will & DuPage County
- ✓4.9 stars from 247 Google reviews
How It Works
A simple, three-step process, with us handling the hard parts.
No-cost consultation
We listen to your family, your goals, and your concerns, then explain your options in plain language.
We build your plan
We draft a plan tailored to Illinois law and your wishes, and walk you through every document.
Your family is protected
You sign, we help you fund and finalize it, and you have peace of mind knowing it is done right.
Understanding Estate Planning in Illinois
Straightforward answers to the questions Illinois families ask us most. This is general information to help you understand your options, and every situation is different.
What documents make up a basic Illinois estate plan?
Most plans include a will, a financial power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney, and often a living trust and a HIPAA authorization. Together they cover both what happens while you are living and what happens after.
Do I need a will or a living trust in Illinois?
A solid will is enough for some families, but a living trust can help your loved ones avoid the time and cost of Illinois probate, keep your affairs private, and plan for incapacity. We help you decide what fits.
How does probate work in Illinois, and can I avoid it?
In Illinois, estates over a certain value or that include real estate generally pass through the probate court, which takes time and becomes public record. A properly funded living trust is the most common way to keep your family out of probate.
What is a power of attorney, and why do I need one?
An Illinois power of attorney lets someone you trust manage your finances or make healthcare decisions if you cannot. Without one, your family may have to go to court to get that authority.
Does Illinois have an estate tax?
Yes. Illinois has its own estate tax with a lower exemption than the federal government, so families who owe no federal estate tax can still owe Illinois estate tax. Planning ahead can reduce or avoid it.
What is a special needs trust?
A special needs trust lets you provide for a loved one with a disability without disqualifying them from means-tested benefits like SSI or Medicaid. It is one of the most important tools for peace of mind.
This information is general and not a substitute for legal advice about your specific situation. Request a complimentary consultation and we’ll give you answers tailored to your family.
Why Illinois Families Choose Fowler Huguelet
Trusted Since 1992
Fowler Huguelet has helped families across Will, DuPage, and Cook County for over 30 years, and we know the local courts.
Genuine Care
We treat your family the way we would want our own treated, with honesty and real compassion at every step.
Reliable Answers
We explain your options in plain language so you always understand what is happening and why.
No Cost to Start
Reach out and you will speak with our team, and find out your options at no cost to you, with no obligation.
What Our Clients Say
“Michael and his staff were very professional and attentive to our needs. He crafted exactly what we were looking for in an estate plan. He was a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend his services for estate planning.”
“Very knowledgeable about trusts. Gave great advice to maximize the benefits. Michael and staff are very approachable and answered questions in a timely manner. We recommend him highly and without reservations.”
“I went to Michael Huguelet to set up my estate plan. I was looking for an alternative to a Trust. Mr. Huguelet informed me of other options and set up an estate plan that I am very happy with. I highly recommend his services.”
Rated 4.9 out of 5 across 247 Google reviews
Meet Your Attorneys
Michael has helped Illinois families protect their legacies for more than three decades, with deep experience in estate planning, trusts, and probate. Clients know him for clear advice and genuine care.
Christopher guides families and business owners through estate planning, probate, and asset protection, focused on practical plans that hold up and are easy to understand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a will or a trust?
Most families benefit from a will, and many also benefit from a living trust that helps their loved ones avoid probate. In your complimentary consultation, we help you decide what fits your family and your goals.
What happens if I don’t have a plan?
Illinois law decides who inherits and who is in charge, and it may not match what you would have wanted. A clear plan puts those decisions back in your hands and spares your family the guesswork.
Will an estate plan help my family avoid probate?
Yes, that is one of the main reasons families plan. A properly funded living trust can keep your estate out of the Illinois probate court, saving your loved ones time, cost, and stress.
When should I create an estate plan?
The best time is before you need it. If you own a home, have children, or have assets you want to protect, you are ready, and life changes like a marriage or a new child are good reasons to plan or update.
Can you update a will or trust I already have?
Absolutely. If your life has changed since you last signed, we can review your documents and update them so they still reflect your wishes.
Areas We Serve
Proudly serving Orland Park, Homer Glen, Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox, Tinley Park, and families throughout Will and DuPage County.
Ready to Protect Your Family?
A no-cost, no-pressure consultation. We’ll get right back to you.
Call (708) 364-7280