Preserve More. Give With Purpose. Leave a Legacy That Matters.
Part of Advanced Estate Planning
Serving clients in-person & virtually across Illinois & Missouri
You Can Build a Legacy That Does More Than Pass Down Wealth
Smart estate planning allows you to reduce estate tax burdens while supporting the people and causes that matter most to you. Whether you want to leave more to your loved ones, give generously to a charity, or do both — we’ll help you design a plan that reflects your values and minimizes taxes.
Give More by Losing Less to Taxes
Without a plan, estate taxes and missed opportunities can eat away at the legacy you intend to leave. Strategic charitable and tax planning ensures your wealth is preserved, distributed wisely, and used to reflect your goals.
Leverage Charitable Trusts
Structures like Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) or Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) can help you give and preserve assets simultaneously.
Use Gifting Strategies Early
Annual exclusion gifts, family education funds, and donor-advised funds can reduce your taxable estate during your lifetime.
Plan for Nonprofits as Beneficiaries
Whether it’s a hospital foundation, alma mater, or community organization, we help ensure gifts are legally executed.
Minimize Federal & State Estate Taxes
We use proven tools to reduce estate size while honoring your wishes.
A well-crafted estate plan can do both: protect your loved ones and support meaningful causes. With legal guidance, we make sure your giving is strategic — and your estate protected.
You Don’t Have to Choose Between Family & Philanthropy
Reduce or eliminate estate tax liability
Support charitable institutions or local organizations
Create a donor legacy or endowment
Maximize lifetime giving potential
Minimize probate for heirs
Build a reputation of impact and generosity
If You Don’t Decide Where It Goes — The Government Might
Without proper planning, a large portion of your estate could be lost to taxes or distributed in ways that don’t reflect your priorities.
High estate tax exposure
Lost opportunity to support your favorite causes
No control over posthumous donations
Assets tied up in court delays
Disputes between heirs and institutions
Charitable wishes not legally documented
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Tax & Charitable Planning
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Do I have enough assets to worry about estate taxes?
If your estate value is approaching the federal or state exemption threshold, planning can help minimize what’s owed and maximize what you leave.
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What’s the benefit of using a trust to give to charity?
Charitable trusts can provide income tax deductions, reduce estate taxes, and allow you to give in stages — while still supporting heirs.
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Can I leave money to both my children and a nonprofit?
Yes. We help create a balanced plan that honors your giving goals while providing for loved ones.
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Do I need to coordinate with the charity ahead of time?
Not necessarily — but it’s often wise. We can help you work with your chosen organization or structure it to be handled independently.
This Planning Is for You If You:
Have significant assets or real estate
Want to give to religious, educational, or charitable causes
Are concerned about estate or inheritance taxes
Want to create a legacy fund or foundation
Need to coordinate gifts between multiple heirs or institutions
Want your values to live on through your estate
