Chicago Estate Planning Lawyer

Whether you are just beginning to consider creating an estate plan, or are seeking to update an existing, sophisticated structure, we help you navigate complex legal and financial terrain with confidence.

Tailored Estate Planning Services for Every Stage of Life

Estate planning is not just about distributing assets; It’s about providing clarity, control, and peace of mind. At VFO Law, we understand that no two families are alike. Your goals, relationships, business interests, and long-term objectives shape the structure of your plan.

We work closely with each client to build a plan tailored to their needs. Our services include:

• Wills Create clear, enforceable documents that express your wishes and avoid unnecessary probate delays and expenses.
• Healthcare Directives and Powers of Attorney Ensure that trusted individuals can make medical or financial decisions on your behalf if you are ever unable to do so.
• Revocable Living Trusts Maintain control of your assets during your lifetime, while ensuring a seamless transition upon death or incapacity.
• Guardianship Designations for Minor Children Legally appoint the individuals you trust to care for your children in your absence.

By designing comprehensive estate plans, we help our clients not only protect their families and assets, but also avoid disputes and reduce costs in the future.

Advanced Estate Planning and Asset Protection Legal Services

For high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and families with complex holdings, advanced planning is critical to minimizing tax exposure and shielding assets from risk. Our firm has significant experience in implementing sophisticated legal tools, including:

• Irrevocable Trusts Used for tax mitigation, gifting, or long-term family asset protection/
• Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) Facilitate centralized management of family wealth and enhance creditor protection.
• Dynasty Trusts Preserve multigenerational wealth while limiting estate taxes and avoiding probate for successive generations.
• Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPT) Strategically protect personal or business assets from future creditors or legal liabilities. 
• Charitable Trusts & Foundations Integrate your philanthropic goals with tax-advantaged estate planning strategies.
• Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs) and Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs) Allow you to transfer appreciating assets in a tax-efficient manner.

These structures require careful planning, administration, and maintenance. We work with your financial advisors and CPAs to design plans that work seamlessly within your overall wealth strategy.

Family Office Legal Services

Family offices require a unique legal perspective that addresses both the structural and operational components of long-term family wealth management. Our firm advises family offices—both single-family and multi-family—on a wide range of legal matters, including:

• Family governance frameworks and succession planning
• Trust administration and fiduciary compliance advisory
• Business entity formation and management
• Risk management and litigation avoidance
• Legal coordination with investment managers, advisors, and tax professionals

We understand the complexities of multigenerational wealth and help ensure the legal foundation of your family office remains strong and adaptable over time.

A Collaborative, Concierge-Level Approach

Our firm is led by a dedicated principal attorney who works alongside a team of highly qualified of-counsel attorneys licensed in multiple states. This allows us to serve clients with assets, family members, or property holdings across jurisdictional lines, while maintaining the personal, boutique-level attention our clients value.

We view legal planning as a collaborative process. Our approach involves:

• Listening carefully to understand your goals and concerns
• Providing education and clear explanations of available options
• Coordinating with outside advisors such as CPAs, financial planners, and insurance professionals
• Drafting and implementing legally sound documents
• Offering ongoing support as your needs evolve

You’ll never be left wondering what’s next. Our support team ensures that every client receives timely updates, proactive guidance, and answers to their questions every step of the way.

Who We Serve

Our clients include:

• Individuals and families seeking to create or update estate plans
• Retirees preparing for incapacity or asset distribution
• Business owners planning for succession or liquidity events
• High-net-worth individuals with multistate assets
• Parents of minors seeking to protect their family
• Professionals concerned about liability exposure or asset preservation
• Philanthropically inclined clients interested in charitable giving structures

No matter your stage of life or level of wealth, we are committed to helping you make informed decisions that protect what matters most.

Why Choose VFO Law?

Choosing the right legal partner for your estate plan or asset protection strategy is a crucial decision. Here’s why so many clients across the Chicago area and beyond trust VFO Law: 

Personalized Planning

We take the time to understand your unique family dynamics, business relationships, and financial goals—and tailor every document accordingly.

Deep Experience

Our legal focus is narrow by design. We’ve built our practice around estate planning, trusts, and asset protection to deliver  precise, up-to-date guidance.

Holistic Coordination

We work hand-in-hand with your financial professionals, ensuring your legal structures are fully aligned with your broader wealth plan.

Flexible Consultations

We offer both virtual and in-person meetings, respecting your time, comfort, and availability.

Multi-State Capability

With attorneys licensed across multiple states and experience handling cross-jurisdictional matters, we can support clients with assets, beneficiaries, or businesses outside Illinois.

Ongoing Support

We don’t disappear after your documents are signed. We remain available for future questions and concerns as your needs change.

Begin Planning With Confidence

We believe that estate planning is not just for the wealthy, it’s for anyone who wants to retain control over their assets, reduce family stress, and leave a meaningful legacy.

Whether your planning needs are simple or highly complex, we’re here to guide you with clarity, care, and integrity.

Let us help you move forward with confidence.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your future.