
Cary Estate Planning Lawyers
Helping Those Across McHenry & Kane Counties Secure Their Legacies
While it can be uncomfortable to think about what will happen to your estate after you pass away, it is important to plan ahead and ensure that your loved ones are taken care of. Doing so can preserve the value of your assets, lessen burdens on your loved ones, and limit the likelihood of disputes.
At Vaclavek Hartman Vaclavek, we are here to make estate planning straightforward and as stress-free as possible. Our team possesses decades of experience and has served thousands of individuals and families. Leverage our extensive know-how and capabilities to secure your future today.
Call (815) 507-8887 or reach out online to request a free consultation with one of our Cary estate planning attorneys. Virtual consultations are available for your convenience.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning involves much more than writing a will. It is a multifaceted undertaking that enables you to take control of your legacy and protect those you care about most. At its core, estate planning involves making proactive decisions and instituting legal documents to protect or transfer assets and property. You may also designate individuals to act on your behalf in the event of incapacity or death.
The Importance of Estate Planning
Estate planning is essential for financial and personal reasons alike. Without a comprehensive estate plan, your assets may not be distributed according to your wishes, potentially leading to family disputes and costly legal battles. Additionally, without legally designating someone to make decisions on your behalf, you risk having a court-appointed stranger making important choices about your medical care and finances.
This is not all. Estate planning allows you to minimize taxes and maximize the value of your assets that will be passed down to loved ones. It also ensures that minor children will be cared for by trusted guardians if you and your co-parent cannot do so.

How We Can Help You with Estate Planning Matters
We offer comprehensive, client-centric estate planning services. Our team members are the very best in their fields and have the know-how to assist with matters such as the following:
- Drafting and updating wills that clearly outline your wishes
- Creating trusts to protect assets, manage distributions, and streamline the transfer of wealth
- Assisting personal representatives in carrying out the wishes of a loved one and navigating Illinois probate
- Setting up financial and healthcare powers of attorney
- Specifying your healthcare preferences and end-of-life care wishes
- Developing customized strategies for business succession, charitable giving, or protecting beneficiaries with special needs
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“Would Recommend for Needs Related to Family Law!”
“The team accommodated us in the office at short notice, was patient in explaining the process and answering our questions, and flexible with the fluid schedule of our young family – even meeting virtually to formalize everything.”- Andrew S. -
“My family is grateful for Tom and the entire team.”
“Tom and his team were professional, compassionate and responsive throughout the entire process.”- Howard B. -
“I Highly Recommend Working with Them.”
“Working with Tom was a great experience because he was very professional, actually stuck to his word and didn’t give me the run around, kept appointments, was on time, respected my situation, and I was very pleased with his communication.”- Javier B. -
“Thank You.”
“Shawna helped me through the difficult time and I couldn’t begin to tell you how pleased I am with her outstanding knowledge, compassion, and communication from beginning to end.”- Mike U.

Our Approach to Estate Planning
We believe that estate planning is not one-size-fits-all. Your life, goals, and priorities are unique, and your estate plan should reflect that.
That is why we approach assisting with estate planning by doing the following:
- Getting to know you. We start by learning about you, your family, your goals, and any concerns you may have. Building this understanding is key to creating a plan that feels personal and meaningful.
- Being there when you need us. Should you have questions, concerns, or updates, our team is available to provide support and guidance at any time of day.
- Offering practical and logical advice. We will explain your options in a way that is easy to understand so you can make confident decisions about your future.
- Creating a thoughtful plan. With your input, we design an estate plan that aligns with your wishes, protects your assets, and simplifies matters for loved ones. Our proactive strategies aim to reduce costs and complications while honoring what is most important to you.
