Protecting More Than Assets: What Families Really Need Beyond a Will
You created a will. You checked the box. You feel like you’ve done your due diligence. a will alone doesn’t cover all the scenarios your family may face.
Relying on a will without the correct supporting documents can leave your loved ones vulnerable, your estate exposed to probate, and your wishes unclear when they matter most.
At Russo Law Offices, we take a comprehensive approach to estate planning, helping clients move beyond the basics to build a plan that protects what matters most.
If you want peace of mind, here’s what you need beyond a will.
1. Revocable Living Trust
A will becomes public and must go through probate, a time-consuming, expensive, and often stressful court process.
A revocable living trust allows you to:
Keep your assets private
Bypass probate
Protect young or financially inexperienced beneficiaries
Appoint a trusted person to manage your estate
In this blog post about planning for families with young children, we explain how a trust can ensure your child’s inheritance is managed responsibly until they are old enough.
2. Durable Power of Attorney
This document gives someone you trust legal authority to manage your finances if you're incapacitated. Without it, your loved ones may need to go to court for guardianship just to pay your bills or access your accounts.
If you’ve read our estate planning guide for newlyweds, you’ll remember: incapacity planning isn’t just for later in life — it’s essential for young couples building a future together.
3. Healthcare Power of Attorney and HIPAA Authorization
Emergencies don’t come with warnings. These documents authorize someone to make medical decisions on your behalf and access your health records if you’re unable to do so yourself.
Discover how to protect your healthcare wishes in our comprehensive guide on advance directives and medical planning.
4. Living Will (Advance Directive)
A living will clarifies your preferences for life-sustaining treatment if you’re facing a terminal condition or permanent unconsciousness. It removes the burden of decision-making from your loved ones and ensures your dignity is protected.
5. Beneficiary Designations + Pour-Over Will
Certain assets, such as retirement accounts and life insurance, bypass your will and are distributed directly to the named beneficiaries. These designations must be regularly reviewed and coordinated with your estate plan.
A pour-over will act as a safety net, transferring any remaining assets into your trust upon your death.
This concept is covered in detail in our blog on protecting digital and non-traditional assets, which explores how these "outside-the-will" components fit into modern estate plans.
Your Estate Plan Should Work When Life Gets Complicated
At Russo Law Offices, we understand that estate planning is more than just documents; it’s about protecting individuals, honoring their values, and ensuring their voice is heard throughout every stage of life.
We invite you to browse our full library of estate planning articles to continue learning, and when you’re ready, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Serving families across Illinois from our Hinsdale and Hoffman Estates offices.
Call us today to schedule a consultation. Let’s build a plan that works not just on paper, but in real life.
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Get Started Today: Download our FREE Guide to Writing a Will to learn more about your options and get started with confidence.
*The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Each individual's situation is unique, and the laws regarding estate planning can vary by jurisdiction. It is essential to consult with a qualified estate planning attorney to discuss your specific circumstances and to receive personalized legal advice. Russo Law Offices is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information contained in this post.