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Trusted Guidance for Your Living Trust

A trust is one of the most effective tools available for managing assets, protecting loved ones, and avoiding probate. Jackson Abdalla Law Group helps clients across Elgin and the Chicago suburbs understand their trust options and create customized plans tailored to their family's needs. Attorney Julia Jackson provides clear, compassionate guidance so clients can make confident decisions about their estate.

What Is a Trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to transfer assets during your lifetime or after death while maintaining control over how those assets are managed and distributed. Common types include:

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Revocable Living Trusts

Allow you to manage your assets during life and ensure they pass smoothly to beneficiaries without probate.

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Irrevocable Trusts

Often used for specific planning needs such as asset protection, long-term care considerations, or special needs planning.

A well-structured trust offers privacy, flexibility, and peace of mind for individuals who want to plan proactively.

How Living Trusts Avoid Probate

One of the main benefits of a revocable living trust is probate avoidance. When assets are properly transferred into ("funded" into) the trust, they typically pass directly to named beneficiaries without court supervision.


For many families in Elgin and Kane County, this means:

  • SHORTER TIMELINES FOR ASSET DISTRIBUTION

  • REDUCED LEGAL EXPENSES

  • GREATER PRIVACY (NO PUBLIC PROBATE RECORDS)

  • LESS STRESS FOR SURVIVING LOVED ONES

If you own a home in Elgin or hold significant assets, a living trust may provide a smoother transfer process.

Wills vs. Trusts: Understanding the Difference

Direct how assets are distributed and name guardians for minors, but they must go through probate.

Trusts

Can manage assets during life and after death, offering privacy and avoiding probate when properly funded.

Both documents can work together as part of a comprehensive estate plan.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Set Up a Trust?

A trust must be drafted carefully to ensure it works as intended. Attorney Julia Jackson helps clients:

  • DETERMINE WHICH TRUST TYPE FITS THEIR GOALS

  • DRAFT LEGALLY ENFORCEABLE TRUST DOCUMENTS

  • PROPERLY FUND THE TRUST BY TRANSFERRING ASSETS

  • UNDERSTAND TRUSTEE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • PLAN FOR FUTURE UPDATES OR LIFE CHANGES

DIY kits often miss critical steps-particularly funding-leading to trusts that fail when families need them most.

Common Questions About Trusts

  • What's the difference between a revocable and irrevocable trust?

    A revocable trust can be changed at any time; an irrevocable trust generally cannot.

  • Can a living trust help avoid probate?

    Yes-assets held by the trust typically bypass probate.

  • Can I be my own trustee?

    Yes. Many individuals serve as their own trustee while appointing a successor trustee for incapacity or death.

  • Do I still need a will if I have a trust?

    Yes. A "pour-over will" ensures any remaining assets are transferred into the trust.

How Jackson Abdalla Law Group Helps

Julia works closely with clients throughout Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva, and nearby areas to create trusts tailored to their family's needs. She ensures each trust reflects Illinois law, long-term goals, and personal values-offering clarity at every step.

Explore related estate planning tools:

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Unsure whether a trust is right for you?

Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and learn how a trust can benefit your estate.