Oakbrook and Chicago Trust Lawyer
Living Trust Attorney Chicago, IL
Keep More Control Over What Happens to Your Estate
Protect your family, preserve what you’ve built, and make important decisions with clear guidance from an experienced estate planning team
Since 1982 | Best Estate Planning Lawyers in Chicago, Illinois, 2026 | Free, No-Obligation Consultation
What is a living trust, and why might you need one?
A living trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to place qualifying assets into a trust during your lifetime, continue managing them while you are able, and leave instructions for how they should be handled if you become incapacitated or after you die.
For many families, the problem isn’t simply deciding who should inherit their property. It’s making sure those assets can be managed and transferred without unnecessary delays, court involvement, or uncertainty for loved ones.
Without the right planning, property left solely in your name may need to pass through probate after your death. Probate is the legal process by which a court oversees the distribution of your assets, which can be time-consuming, costly, and an added burden on your family.
Your family may also face difficult questions about who can manage your affairs if illness or disability prevents you from doing so yourself.
A properly prepared and funded living trust can help address those concerns by giving you greater control over your assets now and providing clearer instructions for the people who may need to manage them later.
Build a living trust that works the way you intend
Creating a living trust involves more than signing a document. You need to consider your assets carefully, ensure the trust reflects your wishes, and use the right supporting documents.
If you’re looking for a living trust attorney Chicago families can count on, Tuohy Law Offices is here to help. We’ll work closely with you to create, fund, and maintain a trust tailored to your property, beneficiaries, and long-term goals. With our guidance, you’ll be empowered to:
Create a living trust around your goals
We take the time to understand your family dynamics, property, beneficiaries, and priorities, then craft a trust that reflects exactly how you want your assets managed and distributed.
Fund and coordinate your trust
We identify which assets may need to be retitled or coordinated with your trust, working alongside financial advisors, CPAs, and institutions when needed.
Prepare the supporting documents
Your living trust estate plan may also include a pour-over will, financial power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, and other documents based on your circumstances.
Plan for the people who may act after you
We establish clear instructions for successor trustees and beneficiaries, so the people you choose understand how the trust should be managed if you become incapacitated or after you die.
How does a living trust work?
A living trust is designed to work through different stages of your life. You generally remain in control while you are able, choose who can step in if you become incapacitated, and leave instructions for how trust assets should be managed or distributed after your death.
During your lifetime
As the creator of a revocable living trust, you continue managing the assets held in it. You can also update or amend the trust as your family, finances, property, or priorities change over time.
If you become incapacitated
Your trust can name a successor trustee to manage trust assets if illness or disability prevents you from doing so yourself. This creates a clear plan for handling property and financial responsibilities when needed.
After your death
Your successor trustee follows your instructions to manage and distribute trust assets to beneficiaries. Properly funded assets typically pass outside probate, reducing court involvement and keeping administration more private.
Remember: your living trust is part of a larger plan. A complete living trust estate plan may also include a pour-over will, financial power of attorney, and healthcare power of attorney. Each document addresses a different part of your plan, helping create a more complete framework for your property, decisions, and family.
Why work with Tuohy Law for your living trust?
A living trust is only as useful as the planning behind it. Tuohy Law Offices combines decades of estate-planning experience with a practical, hands-on approach to help clients create trusts they understand and can actually use.
- More than 7,000 living trust estate plans prepared: Tuohy Law Offices has helped thousands of Illinois families establish living trusts, which means we have extensive experience with different family structures, assets, and planning goals.
- Recognized among Chicago’s best estate planning lawyers: Tuohy Law Offices was named by Expertise.com among the Best Estate Planning Lawyers in Chicago for 2026.
- Personal guidance from an experienced attorney: Tom Tuohy takes the time to explain how your trust works, what decisions you need to make, and how the plan should fit your circumstances.
- Attention beyond the trust document: A living trust needs to work with your assets, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents. We look at how those pieces fit together rather than treating the trust as a standalone form.
- Support after your plan is signed: Clients can securely access important estate planning documents through the MyCase client portal, and Tuohy Law Offices remains available as property, family circumstances, or planning needs change.
What clients say about working with Tuohy Law Offices
At Tuohy Law Offices, we take the time to walk clients through every step of the process, answer their questions, and ensure they feel confident in the plan we build together.
I am proud to state that Tom Tuohy has been my valued friend and legal counsel for over 35 years. During that time, he has also served the legal needs of the residents of the Cabrini-Green housing complex and diligently represented countless individuals and families throughout the State of Illinois. Tom has consistently demonstrated commitment and dedication in his work and in performing his law practice responsibilities. He has shown an ability to work constructively and compassionately with everyone involved in our justice system. His positive attitude and conscientious approach to his practice and its inherent legal challenges exemplify the legal temperament, diligence, and intellect necessary in jurisprudence. Tom has also been a longtime advocate for children’s rights, as shown by founding Dreams for Kids, Inc. and serving as a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Jesse White Tumbling Team. These positions reflect his concern for youngsters. In essence, I consider Tom Tuohy to be one of Illinois’ outstanding attorneys and someone who can be relied on and trusted.
I have known of Tom Tuohy’s reputation for a long time through my responsibilities as Police Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. When the time came to take care of my family business and my personal and business affairs, I knew exactly who I would retain. Tom has the extensive professional experience and demeanor you would hope for in an attorney and counselor. I knew that I could rely on his expertise, and most importantly, I knew I could trust him. In my background as law enforcement professional and as principal of Hillard Heintze, LLC, there is nothing more important than trust and confidentiality. You can trust Tom Tuohy to handle your affairs in the most professional manner and you can be assured that you will be protected.
Complete the rest of your estate plan
A living trust is often the centerpiece of a broader estate plan, but it shouldn’t stand alone. Wills, powers of attorney, and probate planning each address different responsibilities and help ensure your wishes are carried out clearly.
Protect your loved ones with a last will and testament
Document how certain property should be distributed, name an executor, and address guardianship considerations for minor children.
Learn MoreUnderstand the probate process
With the right planning in place, your family can avoid the Illinois probate process altogether, even if you already have a will.
Learn MorePlan for incapacity with a power of attorney
Designate a trusted person to manage your finances if illness or disability leaves you unable to do so yourself.
Learn MoreThe Tuohy Law Blog: Living trust insights for better planning
Explore practical articles on living trusts, probate, trustees, beneficiaries, and other estate planning considerations to help you make more informed decisions.
Start planning your living trust today
A living trust is most useful when it’s created, funded, and understood before illness, incapacity, or death.
Tuohy Law Offices can help you put the right structure in place now, while you have the time to make thoughtful decisions about your assets and beneficiaries.
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Build your ideal living trust with expert legal guidance
Creating a living trust can feel like a major decision, especially if you have been putting estate planning off for years. Tuohy Law Offices can help you work through the details, understand your options, and put a plan in place with greater confidence.
