Dixon, IL Estate Planning

The attorneys at Dixon & Giesen Law Offices also provide estate planning legal services to the greater Dixon, IL area. Our staff is highly trained in these areas, and offer personal legal advice and representation in order to help you make the right decisions. We represent all our clients in a professional manner and ensure that you and your loved ones are fully protected.

Our Estate Planning Services Include:

• Wills
• Trusts
• Estate planning
• Power of attorney

Frequently asked questions:

• Q. Do I have to be wealthy to worry about having a will?
  • A. No, there are many important reasons to have a will that are not about being wealthy. (i.e., do you have a disabled son/daughter; will children under the age of 18 be possible beneficiaries; is this a second marriage.)
• Q. What if I have a will but want to make changes, can I just write the changes on the original?
  • A. Don't do it - you may invalidate the entire will. Instead, make an appointment and find out if there is a simple and inexpensive way to make changes.
• Q. How about "will forms" off the internet?
  • A. The form may be fine But if you don't fill it out correctly or don't have it properly witnessed or don't fully understand what the language means, it will be too late to fix it if the errors / omissions are not found until after your death.

Things to consider:

• Do you have minor children?
  • If you do what plans have you made to have someone care for them if something happens to you and your spouse?
• It is not true that "The State" gets your money if you die without a will but the law does say what will happen to your assets and it might not be what YOU want. A will puts you in charge.
• Who will be in charge of your affairs if your health prohibits you from managing your money?
• If you don't properly put your decisions in writing, a court will decide for you.

Real Estate

Many people buy a house without a lawyer. Things to consider:

• Do you know the different options for holding title?
  • A lawyer can talk through the options and help you decide what is best for you.
• Do you know how to read a title commitment?
  • Another good reason to have a lawyer for what might be the largest purchase of your life.
• Do you know how to read a legal description?
• What if the "deal goes south" before or at the closing, what are your options?
  • The answer is "in the fine print." Without a lawyer you may not know your rights.

Proudly offering legal services to a wide area, including Dixon, Amboy, Lee County, Whiteside County, Ogle County and Carroll County.

Contact Dixon & Giesen Law Offices today at 815-284-2288 to schedule your legal consultation, or browse our website for more information on personal injury and bankruptcy and family law.