Chicago Deeds Lawyer
Expert guidance on Transfer on Death Instruments, Quit Claim Deeds, and Life Estate Deeds in Illinois
Deed Services We Offer
- Transfer on Death Instruments
- Quit Claim Deeds
- Life Estate Deeds
- Avoid Probate
Protect Your Property with the Right Deed Strategy
Real estate is often your most valuable asset. Using the right type of deed can help you avoid probate, protect your property, and ensure it passes to your loved ones according to your wishes. At Illinois Estate Law, we help Chicago residents choose and prepare the right deed for their unique situation.
Understanding Your Deed Options
In Illinois, there are several types of deeds that can help you accomplish different estate planning goals. Each type of deed serves a specific purpose, and choosing the right one depends on your individual circumstances, family situation, and long-term objectives.
Our Deed Services
Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI)
A Transfer on Death Instrument allows you to designate who will receive your residential real estate when you pass away—without going through probate.
Key Benefits:
- •Avoids probate entirely for residential real estate
- •You maintain full control and ownership during your lifetime
- •Can be revoked or changed at any time
- •Beneficiary has no rights until your death
- •Simple and cost-effective probate avoidance tool
Best For:
- •Residential property (single-family homes, condos, townhouses)
- •People who want to avoid probate but maintain full control
- •Those who want flexibility to change beneficiaries
Quit Claim Deed
A Quit Claim Deed transfers whatever ownership interest you have in a property to someone else—without making any promises about the title.
Common Uses:
- •Adding or removing a spouse from the title
- •Transferring property into a trust
- •Correcting title defects or errors
- •Transferring property between family members
- •Clarifying ownership interests
Important to Know:
- •Provides no warranties about the title or liens
- •Typically used between people who know and trust each other
- •Not recommended for property sales to unrelated parties
Life Estate Deed
A Life Estate Deed lets you keep the right to live in and control your home for the rest of your life, while naming who will automatically receive the property after you pass away.
Key Benefits:
- •Property transfers outside of probate automatically
- •You retain full rights to use and live in the property
- •Can qualify for Medicaid planning in some situations
- •May provide capital gains tax benefits for beneficiaries
Important Considerations:
- •Difficult to revoke—requires consent of remainder beneficiaries
- •Cannot sell or mortgage property without beneficiary consent
- •Less flexible than a Transfer on Death Instrument
- •May affect eligibility for certain benefits
Which Deed is Right for You?
Choosing the right deed depends on your goals, family situation, and long-term plans. Here's a comparison to help you understand which option might work best for your circumstances:
Why Work with an Attorney for Deeds?
While it's technically possible to prepare deeds yourself, working with an experienced attorney ensures your deed is properly prepared, executed, and recorded. Mistakes in deed preparation can be costly and difficult to fix.
Our Deed Services Include:
- ✓Consultation to determine which deed type best fits your needs
- ✓Review of current property ownership and title
- ✓Professional deed preparation with accurate legal descriptions
- ✓Proper execution and witnessing
- ✓Recording with the county recorder's office
- ✓Coordination with your overall estate plan
- ✓Guidance on tax implications and benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Protect Your Property?
Let us help you choose and prepare the right deed for your situation. Protect your real estate and ensure it passes to your loved ones according to your wishes.